Slade star Noddy Holder has revealed he has been battling throat cancer for five years and was given just six months to live when he was first diagnosed.
His wife Suzan, 57, detailed Noddy’s secret health battle in an emotional article for Great British Life on Thursday.
Noddy, 77, underwent new chemotherapy which has helped keep him alive.
Suzan wrote: “Five years ago we received the devastating news that he had esophageal cancer and only had six months to live.”
“I’m sorry if this comes as a bit of a shock to you. It was an absolute bomb for us too. We got through it the only way we could, by hunkering down, sticking together and doing everything we could to survive it.
Sad news: 77-year-old Noddy Holder from Slade has revealed his secret five-year battle with throat cancer as his wife Suzan said he was given six months to live when first diagnosed
Suzan wrote: “Five years ago we received the devastating news that he had oesophageal cancer and only had six months to live.” “I’m sorry if this comes as a bit of a shock to you” (pictured together in 2003)
Iconic: Noddy is best known for the hit band’s hit song “Merry Xmas Everyone” – pictured in 1972
“We have only told our closest family and friends and I will never apologize to those we did not confide in, but only to those who were forced to endure pain and torment alongside us as we tried to to find our way through this new and terrible world.”
Suzan married Noddy in 2004 and said the “Merry Xmas Everyone” singer managed to keep a positive attitude despite his health problems.
He was treated at Christie Hospital in Manchester and underwent a groundbreaking new form of chemotherapy which has helped keep him alive.
Suzan wrote: “There were no guarantees, no one knew if it would have any effect, let alone work miracles, but it responded well.” As anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis knows, the experts use the word “cure.” never liked it, but here we are five years later and he’s doing well and looking great.
Noddy has been in top form and was able to perform on stage this summer after being invited on stage by Cheshire musician Tom Seals.
Slade secured six number one singles in the UK over the course of her 25-year career.
Their last song to reach the top spot, “Merry Xmas Everyone”, is their biggest hit and is said to bring in £500,000 in royalties alone each year.
The band began its days in Wolverhampton in 1966 with the line-up Dave Hill, Don Powell and Jim Lea performing alongside Noddy.
Fight back: Noddy was last photographed walking in Manchester in May
Solid Friends: Noddy pictured (bottom center) with the rest of Slade (pictured in 1975)