BBC star Nicki Chapman answers question about possible retirement after health scare

TV presenter Nicki Chapman has said she has no plans to retire after being told she had suffered a stroke when in fact she had a benign melanoma on her brain

Television host Nicki Chapman has addressed speculation about her retirement plans, confirming her intention to remain active.

The presenter, who has hosted shows such as Pop Idol and Escape to the Country, expressed her desire to keep looking ahead and stay engaged in her work. Nicki’s remarks followed a harrowing health scare where she was initially misdiagnosed with a stroke, only for doctors to later discover a benign melanoma on her brain.

Talking to Candis magazine, the BBC presenter recounted her experience; she said: “They thought I’d had a stroke. I cannot praise the NHS highly enough: I was looked after brilliantly from start to finish.

“I went back to work six weeks to the day after surgery. I’m 58. I have my health, my various jobs, and my lovely husband.”

Regarding the prospect of retiring, Nicki declared: “Heavens no. If you’re lucky enough to love what you do, keep doing it. And I’ve never been someone who looks back. I always look forward – in both senses of the phrase.”

Nicki has previously opened up about her brain tumour, which was diagnosed in 2019.

In 2024, she discussed the impact of her diagnosis with the Brain Tumour charity, she revealed: “My symptoms were very sudden, over 24 hours.

“Initially doctors thought I’d had a stroke but scans revealed a golf-ball-sized meningioma. It’s the initial shock of diagnosis and then the shock when you tell people that’s even more distressing.”

Nicki described breaking the news as akin to a physical blow, she described: “It’s like a slap. When you have to ring people – your family – and tell them; it’s just hideous.”

In a later interview with the Mirror in 2024, she would express her deep gratitude towards the NHS for the exceptional care she received, particularly during her recovery phase.

Nicki reflected on her experience, stating: “Fortunately, my experience was a good one, my recovery was amazing, but I still take one day at a time.

“I’m a very positive person, so to always put a positive spin on life has helped keep me going.”

Speaking why she was discussing her experience, Nicki said she hoped to provide solace to others facing similar challenges, ensuring they didn’t feel isolated.

She elaborated: “I decided to speak out after my operation as I felt not only had I received the best care I could have asked for from my local hospital and the NHS, but also that my story may help others going through something similar.”