TV chef Tim Bilton has announced that his stage 4 cancer is now dormant, seven years after being told the disease was terminal. The 54-year-old, known for appearances on BBC's Great British Menu and Channel 5's On the Farm, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on July 7, 2026.
13-year cancer battle
Bilton was first diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma in 2013 after his wife Adele noticed an unusual shadow in his eye. At the time, he was preparing to open his second restaurant and aiming for a Michelin star. Despite years of treatment, he was told in 2019 that the cancer had returned as stage four and was considered terminal.
In his post, Bilton described the past 13 years as 'utter rubbish' and said his body has been 'to hell and back'. He wrote: 'To be honest, I’m not the man I was before my diagnosis. I don’t look the same, I don’t talk the same, I can’t eat the things I use to love, my taste buds aren’t what they we’re, my jaw and knee are buggered… I could go on.'
Emotional update
Sharing a photo of himself hugging Adele, Bilton wrote: 'My stage 4 cancer is dormant.' He thanked his oncologist, saying: 'Thank you to my amazing oncologist who has never given up on me, even on the days when my body and mind had. Today we had an emotional phone call to say all my recent scans are clear and my stage 4 cancer is dormant. 13 years on and I have been signed off… it’s over for now.'
Bilton also paid tribute to his wife and their sons, Henry and Charlie. 'If you’re reading this, there is still hope… so hope really did carry us through,' he added. He acknowledged the lasting impact of cancer, stating: 'Cancer has been cruel yes 100% but I can honestly say it’s made me a better man. But more importantly I’m still here and have been able to see my boys grow.'
Support from fans and friends
The post drew an outpouring of support, including from Helen Skelton, his co-star on On the Farm, who commented: 'Wonderful news for a wonderful man,' along with four heart emojis. Bilton concluded his message with: 'Grateful, scared, emotional and not sure what to feel.'
Macmillan Cancer Support offers assistance for those affected by cancer via helpline 0808 808 00 00 (8am-8pm daily) or their website.
