Veteran actor Sir Tony Robinson, who rose to fame playing Baldrick in the BBC sitcom Blackadder, has opened up about how he manages his prostate cancer after nearly 15 years. The 79-year-old TV favourite admitted that he has been living with the horrific condition for "13 or 14 years". In a new interview, he reassured fans that he remains in good health while continuing to undergo routine monitoring.

During an appearance on A Night In With Sally Lindsay podcast, Mr Robinson explained: "I've been living with prostate cancer for 13 or 14 years now, and it's always been fine, but I do have these checks." The TV star frequently undergoes regular MRI scans to track the disease's progress, comparing these medical assessments to the health screenings actors must complete before taking on new projects.

The Time Team star also addressed the continuing stigma that prevents many men from seeking prostate examinations, sharing his concerns that the outdated fears still deter men from getting checked. He said: "The problem has always been that blokes think that if they are threatened with prostate cancer, they are going to have the doctor's finger up their bum."

However, Mr Robinson revealed he only recently discovered that medical practices have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. He explained: "And that kind of used to be true, but it's not a very good check because the prostate is just like a little apricot.

"I only knew about a year ago that doctors don't use that check anymore." The condition is currently diagnosed by doctors through PSA blood tests and MRI scans, with biopsies performed if necessary.

The broadcaster revealed that his personal lack of awareness about updated testing methods pushed him to take action. He has since reached out to the prostate society to arrange a day of appearances on local radio stations to spread the word to men delaying their checks at home.

He said: "I thought... well, I've always been campaigning for more awareness, if I don't know that, and so many men are disturbed by that idea, then I wanna get out there." The actor emphasised the importance of overcoming embarrassment when facing such a serious illness.

Mr Robinson fumed: "It's such a vile disease. If it really gets going, the idea of being, 'Oh, I don't want anyone messing there', it's foolish - it's not being grown up and foolish, it's madness." He noted that most patients now receive MRI scans every 2 years as standard practice.

According to the NHS, prostate cancer predominantly affects men over 50 and initially develops on the outer portion of the gland, meaning symptoms often don't manifest until the disease has advanced. Warning signs include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent nighttime urination, erectile dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment options range from surgery and radiotherapy to hormone therapy and chemotherapy, though some cases may only need regular monitoring rather than active treatment.