Escape to the Country presenter Nicki Chapman has recounted the harrowing moment she discovered she had a brain tumour, admitting she was left "on my hands and knees sobbing" following the devastating diagnosis. The television and radio personality, who has become a household name among daytime audiences through her role on the enduring BBC property show, shared details of her health ordeal during an appearance on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast with Aled Jones.
Nicki, 59, explained the frightening experience started when she experienced a seizure and sensed something was gravely amiss. "I'd had a seizure and I knew something was wrong," she said. "They thought I'd had a stroke, but it was actually a brain tumour. I was on my hands and knees sobbing. I just wanted it to be gone." The former music industry powerhouse, who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of major acts including the Spice Girls, Take That and S Club 7 before transitioning into television, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in 2019.
Medical professionals cautioned the broadcaster that the surgical procedure to remove the tumour carried significant risks. Nevertheless, the presenter revealed she took encouragement from retired champion jockey Frankie Dettori's optimistic approach before going under the knife.
Looking back on her frame of mind at that critical juncture, she said: "I made my peace that, if I don't wake up tomorrow, I've had the most wonderful life and I am grateful. Touching wood, I'm here, happy and healthy. I can't ask for more than that. I might not have made it to 60."
Nicki has since made her return to television and continues to be one of the most recognisable presenters on Escape to the Country, where she assists prospective buyers in their search for dream properties across some of Britain's most stunning rural areas.
Elsewhere during the interview, the broadcaster looked back on her extensive career in entertainment, including her stint as a judge on Pop Idol, the ITV talent competition that propelled Will Young and Gareth Gates to stardom.
Responding to criticism surrounding reality TV talent shows, she maintained that the approach on Pop Idol was distinct from certain programmes that followed.
"We weren't brutal," she said. "I think it'd be fair to say that shows after [Pop Idol] were different. We were genuinely looking for talent."
Having made a full recovery from her surgery, the television personality revealed she now prioritises embracing life rather than dwelling on growing older.
"You're always going to age, so take the best bits of it," she said. "We're lucky we're here. I'm in a good place."
In April, Escape to the Country enthusiasts received welcome news, with production now under way on a new series of the BBC staple.
Nicki announced the update to followers on social media, sharing several behind-the-scenes photos from the latest filming.
Accompanying the pictures, she wrote: "We are back! So excited. Filming a brand new series of @escape_country - starting this week in glorious Cheshire. The 5-bar gate lean has returned."
Nicki also extended an open invitation to potential applicants to feature on the show, saying: "Need our help? Go on... Why not apply online to bbc.co.uk/takepart, and we could be helping you fulfil that dream of a new life in the countryside or by the coast?
"We would love to help you discover the most beautiful parts of the UK, show you gorgeous villages and market towns, walks and bridle paths to explore, secluded coves and sandy beaches... the list is endless and we know where they are (well most of them!) plus some stunning homes too."
