Michael Aspel Illness: What Illness Does Michael Aspel Have?
Updated Aug 23, 2023
Who is Michael Aspel?
Michael Terence Aspel OBE, born on 12 January 1933 in Battersea, London, England, is a notable retired English television newsreader and presenter. His career spanned several decades, from 1957 to 2008, during which he hosted a range of iconic television programs. Aspel became a familiar face on British screens through his involvement in shows like "Crackerjack," "Ask Aspel," "Aspel & Company," "Give Us a Clue," "This is Your Life," "Strange but True?," and "Antiques Roadshow."
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Aspel was not only a skilled television host but also an accomplished journalist and radio presenter. He brought his charismatic presence and engaging style to a variety of shows, becoming a household name in the UK.
Beyond his professional achievements, Aspel's personal life included multiple marriages, with unions to Dian Sessions, Ann Reed, and Elizabeth Power. In addition to his marriages, he has been in a long-term partnership with Irene Clarke since 1994. With a career that spanned over five decades, Michael Aspel left an indelible mark on British television history.
Michael Aspel Illness
Veteran television presenter Michael Aspel revealed in April 2012 that he had been secretly battling cancer for over a year. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in autumn 2002, Aspel had kept the news confined to close friends and family. Despite the diagnosis, Aspel, known for hosting shows like "Antiques Roadshow" and "This Is Your Life," underwent three months of chemotherapy and expressed his confidence in his recovery, stating that he was "fit as a fiddle."
Aspel explained that during a routine check-up, doctors noticed a slight swelling around the kidney area. Although the diagnosis was initially shocking, he felt neither worried nor frightened due to the calm approach of his medical team. He reassured the public that the cancer was low-grade and not life-threatening.
Aspel's treatment involved a three-month course of chemotherapy drugs, which he described as more unpleasant than the condition itself. His cancer was in a dormant state, and he would undergo regular check-ups to monitor its progress.
This revelation came amidst Aspel's decision to step down from hosting "This Is Your Life" on BBC1 after a 15-year tenure. He attributed this decision to personal choice rather than his health condition. Throughout his career and life, Aspel had encountered various challenges, including the loss of family members, personal health issues, and a turbulent love life. Despite these hardships, he remained resilient and continued his career as a beloved television personality.
What Illness Does Michael Aspel Have?
Michael Aspel was diagnosed with a latent case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood malignancy, as reported in a 2004 article in The Independent. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma encompasses all lymphomas other than Hodgkin's lymphoma.
This condition affects the lymph nodes, which are part of the body's immune system, and its symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, bone pain, chest discomfort, and itching. The severity and progression of symptoms can vary depending on the type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with some types growing slowly and others advancing more rapidly.
Although Aspel's diagnosis indicated the presence of this form of cancer, his health at the time of the report seemed to be stable and he was not experiencing any active symptoms. While non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be a serious condition, Aspel's approach to managing the illness, along with medical treatment, appears to have kept the disease in check.
Michael Aspel Wife
Michael Aspel, known for his successful career as a television presenter and host, has been married three times. His first marriage was to Dian Sessions in 1957, resulting in two children before their divorce in 1961. His second marriage was to Anne Reed, a TV scriptwriter, in 1962, and they became parents to twin children. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1967.
In 1977, Aspel married actress Elizabeth Power, who is notable for her role as Christine Hewitt in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders" from 1992 to 1993. The couple had two sons together during their marriage. Unfortunately, their relationship faced challenges, and Aspel separated from Elizabeth Power in 1994. He embarked on a new relationship with Irene Clarke, who worked as a production assistant on the show "This Is Your Life," which Aspel hosted.
Aspel's personal life has seen multiple marriages and relationships, and he has a total of seven children from these unions. His journey through various relationships has been characterized by both joyous moments and challenges.
Michael Aspel Children
Michael Aspel has a total of seven children from his various marriages and relationships. His first marriage to Dian Sessions in 1957 resulted in the birth of two children. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 1961. Following his divorce, he married Anne Reed in 1962, and the couple welcomed twin children during their time together. Their marriage also ended in divorce in 1967.
In his third marriage to actress Elizabeth Power in 1977, Aspel became a father to two sons. However, this marriage faced challenges, and the couple separated in 1994. Michael's relationship journey took another turn when he entered into a relationship with Irene Clarke, a production assistant on the show "This Is Your Life." Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, Aspel's role as a father has played a significant part in shaping his family dynamics.
Michael Aspel Net Worth
Michael Terence Aspel, a well-known British television presenter and personality, has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Beyond his successful career in the entertainment industry, Aspel has also been actively involved in philanthropy and charitable endeavors.
He holds the position of Vice-President at The Children's Trust, a UK-based charity dedicated to helping children with brain injuries. Additionally, he has been a devoted Patron and supporter of organizations such as Princess Alice Hospice in Esher and The British Evacuees Association.
Aspel's commitment to the environment and young people is evident through his role as one of the nine presidents of The Young People's Trust for the Environment.
His extensive contributions to both the entertainment field and charitable causes showcase his multifaceted career and his dedication to making a positive impact on various aspects of society. Born in 1933 in Battersea, London, Aspel's life journey has taken him through significant historical periods, including his evacuation during World War II and his National Service in the King's Royal Rifle Corps.
Michael Aspel Illness - FAQs
Michael Aspel had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood malignancy.
Michael Aspel was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in autumn 2002.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
Michael Aspel underwent three months of chemotherapy as part of his treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Yes, as of the latest information available, Michael Aspel's health is reported to be in good shape after undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.