Soap Star Dean Gaffney says his time on hit Reality Show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!” may have saved his life. In aninterview with Express UK, the “EastEnders” star, now 48, revealed that a routine medical check carried out before the reality show led doctors to discover a serious health issue that might otherwise have gone undetected.
Dean Gaffney Credits ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ Medical With Saving His Life
Gaffney first appeared on the ITV reality series in 2006 and later returned for the South Africa “All Stars” edition in 2023. During the strict medical screening required before filming, doctors discovered a worrying health issue that needed further examination.
Reflecting on the moment, Gaffney said the show’s medical checks may have ultimately protected his life.
“I actually credit that experience with saving my life. ITV are very strict with medicals, and during the medical for that show, they flagged up that I was losing blood,” he told Express.
Further tests revealed a rectal polyp that required removal.
“It turned out I had a polyp in my rectum that needed to be burned off and removed. If it wasn’t for I’m a Celeb, they might never have found it. The one they removed was quite big, and the doctor said, ‘How has this not been picked up before?’ Who knows where it could have gone?” he added.
Doctors later warned that the growth carried potential risks if left untreated. “They said ‘We’re not saying it definitely would’ve turned into cancer, but it was very possible.’ So in that sense, I’m a Celebrity definitely saved my life,” he added.
Doctors Discovered a Dangerous Polyp During the Show’s Medical Tests
GettyGaffney said the issue was discovered during one of the show’s standard pre-filming medical screenings.
Contestants on the ITV program must complete thorough health assessments before taking part in the jungle adventure.
During those examinations, doctors noticed signs that he was experiencing unexplained blood loss and recommended additional testing.
Further evaluation revealed a rectal polyp that required prompt medical attention.
The growth was later removed through a procedure to address a condition that doctors warned could have become far more serious if it had gone undetected.
Reflecting on the experience, Gaffney said the timing of the screening likely made a critical difference in catching the problem early.
Read Dean Gaffney full express interview here.
