Tonight’s inaugural episode of the Great Celebrity Bake Off saw Bill Turnbull baking cupcakes for the Stand Up To Cancer movement.
This appearance comes after the announcement that he is suffering from a incurable prostate cancer, which has now spread further throughout his body.
Within seconds of the show’s start, Bills fans began reaching out on Twitter, writing tributes for him.
One fan wrote: “My heart breaks after hearing #BillTurnbull’s news earlier today and seeing him on #GBBO is just inspiring to see.”
While another commented: “Bill Turnbull on stand up to cancer bake off is a bit poignant really.”
Another fan added: “Heartbreaking to watch [Bill] raising money for a cancer charity unaware he had it himself at the time #Su2c #gbbo #bakeoff.”
One viewer said: “How poignant to see @billtu on @BritishBakeOff stand up to cancer on the day he announces he’s getting treatment for prostate cancer #GBBO #Standuptocancer #AllthebestBill.”
Turnbull told Radio Times magazine that the cancer had spread to the bone.
He wants others to know his condition to encourage people to get tested, saying that “maybe if I’d got it earlier and stopped it at the prostate, I’d be in a much better state”.
Turnbull said it “saddens me that I’m not going to be around as much as I thought with my wife and family.
“And I realised if things progress as they do on average, I can’t plan beyond 12 years.”
His consultant hopes he can live for another 18 years.
“When I was making my cupcakes, I had the disease and didn’t know it,” he said.
Bill spoke out about his experience with friends and family who have had cancer.
He said: “There are many of us who have encountered friends or family with cancer so I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Celebrity Bake Off continues Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
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