
Antiques Roadshow Star Reveals Heartbreaking News After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
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Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has shared a candid and emotional update about her ongoing battle with an aggressive brain tumor. The 37-year-old specialist auctioneer, diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma in 2022, opened up about the challenges she’s faced recently, including completing her first round of chemotherapy and mourning two members of her community who also lost their lives to brain tumors.
In an Instagram post, Theo posed with her husband, Alex, and reflected on her journey: “Despite a few obstacles along the way this week, Alex & I have made it up to Perthshire for a couple of nights. Chemo round one is done, and next week I’ll have blood taken for round two, according to the Express.
“It’s been a bit of a tough few weeks as our wonderful community has lost two more members to brain tumors—both great guys with loving families, to whom I send all my best wishes at such a difficult time.”
She also shared a mix of hope and determination, adding: “Over the next couple of weeks my charity work resumes, and some hopeful and promising news will be shared. Until then, I’m enjoying a bit of downtime, some Highland walks, and willing spring to make itself known!”
Theo’s diagnosis came after she experienced symptoms in 2021, including nausea and headaches. At the time, her son was just one year old. In an interview with The Times, Theo shared the devastating impact of her diagnosis:
“Receiving my diagnosis, at the age of 35, when my son was one year old, was devastating. Overnight everything had changed. Suddenly I’d gone from being a healthy person in the middle of my life with a new baby to having incurable cancer with maybe only a year or two left to live.”
She underwent extensive surgery and treatment to prolong her life but acknowledged the reality of her condition:
“My tumour will return, and it will kill me. What followed was months of surgery and treatment to try and prolong my life, and although I continue to make the best of each day, my tumour will return and it will kill me.”
A specialist in fine furniture and artwork, Theo joined the BBC show in 2018 and is related to renowned art collector Sir William Burrell, whose collection is housed in Glasgow. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of brain tumours, the leading cancer killer in children and adults under 40.