Russell Grant Relocates Amid Health Challenges Following Tumor Diagnosis

Russell Grant, a former contestant on the popular BBC show *Strictly Come Dancing*, has relocated to Lancashire as he navigates a serious health challenge. The 74-year-old, known for his vibrant personality and astrology expertise, underwent surgery in March 2023 after being diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumour.

After competing in the ninth season of *Strictly Come Dancing*, where he was eliminated in ninth place while partnered with professional dancer Flavia Cacace, Grant has faced significant personal and health struggles. He has moved from his Victorian home in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, to a smaller two-bedroom house just outside Manchester. This move facilitates easier access to hospital care, as his treatment is now centred in the city.

In an interview with *The Times*, Grant explained the necessity of his relocation. “I recently bought a small two-bedroom 1930s house in Lancashire, just outside Manchester, after renting since my diagnosis,” he stated. He noted the importance of a low-maintenance living situation, especially since he resides alone and requires ongoing medical attention.

Initially, Grant received treatment at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, before his care transferred to Manchester. This shift resulted in an exhausting eight-hour round trip several times a week. He now undergoes regular MRI scans, blood tests, and hormonal assessments as part of his recovery process. The tumour, which had been growing for approximately ten years, left his pituitary gland severely damaged.

Though he has made the permanent move to England, Grant remains open to changes in his living situation once he receives the all-clear from his doctors. “If you had asked me a few years back, I might have said somewhere in the Austrian mountains, but not now,” he reflected.

Grant’s health issues have not only impacted his living arrangements but also altered his professional life. He mentioned experiencing “limited contact” with others, leading him to shift his focus towards social media engagements. While he continues to write horoscopes for various newspapers, including *The Mirror*, *Echo*, and *Daily Record*, he has distanced himself from traditional performances such as pantomimes and stage shows. Despite having offers, he has chosen to step back from the limelight.

Since 2019, when he lost his father, Frank, Grant has not actively worked in the same capacity as before. The following year, he faced the death of his mother, Jo, and due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, attended her funeral via Zoom. It was in 2021 that he received the diagnosis of his brain tumour.

Russell Grant garnered fame in the 1980s with his astrological segments on *BBC Breakfast Time* and has since appeared on various programmes, including *Daybreak*, *This Morning*, and *Loose Women*. His journey through health challenges and career shifts highlights the resilience required in the face of adversity, and his story continues to resonate with fans and followers alike.