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The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Grange Hill legend ‘broke down in tears' after cancer diagnosis – as he shares his biggest regret
GRANGE Hill icon Lee Macdonald has revealed he broke down in tears after doctors diagnosed him with skin cancer. The 57-year-old, who is best-known for playing Zammo McGuire in the BBC drama series, first noticed a black mark on his face in 2023 but was given the all clear. 3 Actor Lee Macdonald has revealed he broke down in tears after a cancer scare Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 The actor is best-known for his role on Grange Hill Credit: BBC However, he was recently diagnosed with a pre-cancerous spot called keratosis after noticing another mark on his face, and will require surgery to have it removed in the next few weeks. Opening up about the moment he found out the spot was cancerous, Lee told 'And then it started weeping, and it concerned me. But being a bloke you leave it and leave it there. You just don't bother. 'So I went to the doctors, and he said: 'It looks like it's a BCC.' I said 'What's a BC?', he said 'It looks like cancer.' He said 'but we need to get you a biopsy to confirm.' READ MORE ON LEE MACDONALD 'And I remember going down and sitting in the car with my friend Andy, and I cried for about an hour. It wasn't confirmed at that time, but just the word cancer, that really scared me.' After receiving results of the biopsy, Lee was told it wasn't cancerous but it was a 'real eye opener' for him. Two years later, Lee recently found another mark on his face and this time was told by doctors that it's pre-cancerous and has been caused by sun damage. The actor has an appointment with the dermatologist to get it removed, but is worried as he's had two scares in a short space of time. Most read in News TV After leaving Grange Hill, Lee used sunbeds to feel more confident, but regrets using them following his diagnosis. He explained: 'Without a shadow of a doubt, if I look back now, obviously, because of my complaints, I wish I'd never, ever gone near them if I knew now what I knew, then I would not have touched them. I would not not go near them.' Grange Hill legend Lee MacDonald reveals he's battling skin cancer after noticing 'unusual spot' on his face Interestingly, Lee's dad had skin cancer previously which has left him feeling 'concerned'. The BBC star portrayed Zammo on the hit children's drama series from 1982 to 1987 and was involved in huge storylines including heroin addiction. As well as Grange Hill, Lee has also made appearances in The Bill and mostly recently in EastEnders as character Terry. After leaving the show that turned him into a household name, the child actor planned to turn his boxing hobby into a career but his dream was ended after ended up in a serious car accident. At just 21, he was left with severe head injuries and his life was changed forever. What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple There are five letters/words to remember: A symmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape B order – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border C olours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours D iameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter E nlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. 3 Lee has shared his biggest regret after finding marks on his face Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Grange Hill legend ‘broke down in tears' after cancer diagnosis – as he shares his biggest regret
The actor is best known for his role on BBC drama series BRAVE STAR Grange Hill legend 'broke down in tears' after cancer diagnosis – as he shares his biggest regret GRANGE Hill icon Lee Macdonald has revealed he broke down in tears after doctors diagnosed him with skin cancer. The 57-year-old, who is best-known for playing Zammo McGuire in the BBC drama series, first noticed a black mark on his face in 2023 but was given the all clear. Advertisement 3 Actor Lee Macdonald has revealed he broke down in tears after a cancer scare Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 The actor is best-known for his role on Grange Hill Credit: BBC However, he was recently diagnosed with a pre-cancerous spot called keratosis after noticing another mark on his face, and will require surgery to have it removed in the next few weeks. Opening up about the moment he found out the spot was cancerous, Lee told MailOnline: 'About two years ago I had a little black mark in my eye, and it wouldn't go away. 'And then it started weeping, and it concerned me. But being a bloke you leave it and leave it there. You just don't bother. 'So I went to the doctors, and he said: 'It looks like it's a BCC.' I said 'What's a BC?', he said 'It looks like cancer.' He said 'but we need to get you a biopsy to confirm.' Advertisement 'And I remember going down and sitting in the car with my friend Andy, and I cried for about an hour. It wasn't confirmed at that time, but just the word cancer, that really scared me.' After receiving results of the biopsy, Lee was told it wasn't cancerous but it was a 'real eye opener' for him. Two years later, Lee recently found another mark on his face and this time was told by doctors that it's pre-cancerous and has been caused by sun damage. The actor has an appointment with the dermatologist to get it removed, but is worried as he's had two scares in a short space of time. Advertisement After leaving Grange Hill, Lee used sunbeds to feel more confident, but regrets using them following his diagnosis. He explained: 'Without a shadow of a doubt, if I look back now, obviously, because of my complaints, I wish I'd never, ever gone near them if I knew now what I knew, then I would not have touched them. I would not not go near them.' Grange Hill legend Lee MacDonald reveals he's battling skin cancer after noticing 'unusual spot' on his face Interestingly, Lee's dad had skin cancer previously which has left him feeling 'concerned'. The BBC star portrayed Zammo on the hit children's drama series from 1982 to 1987 and was involved in huge storylines including heroin addiction. Advertisement As well as Grange Hill, Lee has also made appearances in The Bill and mostly recently in EastEnders as character Terry. After leaving the show that turned him into a household name, the child actor planned to turn his boxing hobby into a career but his dream was ended after ended up in a serious car accident. At just 21, he was left with severe head injuries and his life was changed forever. What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. 3 Lee has shared his biggest regret after finding marks on his face Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Metro
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC soap actor Iain Robertson facing trial for rape
Iain Robertson, an actor from BBC's River City, has been accused of rape and a range of offences against four women. The actor, who played Stevie O'Hara in the Scottish soap, is facing a total of eight charges that span between 2004-2020. They include an allegation of rape, involving one of the women on 'various occasions' between the years of 2018-2019. Iain has also been accused of assault and abusive behaviour towards the women. The actor, who is 44, denies all the charges against him. As well as this, Robertson has been accused of assaulting another woman in Glasgow. It is said that among the allegations, he poured a bottle of wine over her, and made derogatory comments towards her. The allegation of rape is said to have happened in Glasgow's west end and south side. He is also facing claims that he psychologically manipulated the same woman, and was also 'controlling'. The actor, who joined River City in 2017, has further been accused of assault and threatening behaviour towards a third woman over three years, in flats located in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow. More Trending It's alleged that he sent her unwanted gifts, used physical violence that included dragging her by her hair and into a room, and also isolated the woman from her family. It's also claimed Robertson was abusive towards a fourth woman, using manipulative and aggressive behaviour. Lord Arthurson has fixed a trial, which is scheduled to begin at the High Court in Glasgow, in June 2026. View More » Iain found fame in the Glasgow gang film Small Faces, from 1996. His other television credits include Rab C Nesbitt, Grange Hill, as well as a a documentary that saw him follow hiking routes around Scotland. MORE: Hugh Grant does 'the most Hugh Grant thing ever' by falling asleep at Wimbledon MORE: Gregg Wallace to sue BBC over alleged autism discrimination MORE: BBC faces major dilemma over unaired Gregg Wallace-fronted MasterChef season
Metro
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC soap star Iain Robertson facing trial for rape
Iain Robertson, a star from BBC's River City, has been accused of rape and a range of offences against four women. The actor, who played Stevie O'Hara in the Scottish soap, is facing a total of eight charges that span between 2004-2020. They include an allegation of rape, involving one of the women on 'various occasions' between the years of 2018-2019. Iain has also been accused of assault and abusive behaviour towards the women. The actor, who is 44, denies all the charges against him. As well as this, Robertson has been accused of assaulting another woman in Glasgow. It is said that among the allegations, he poured a bottle of wine over her, and made derogatory comments towards her. The allegation of rape is said to have happened in Glasgow's west end and south side. He is also facing claims that he psychologically manipulated the same woman, and was also 'controlling'. The soap star, who joined River City in 2017, has further been accused of assault and threatening behaviour towards a third woman over three years, in flats located in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow. More Trending It's alleged that he sent her unwanted gifts, used physical violence that included dragging her by her hair and into a room, and also isolated the woman from her family. It's also claimed Robertson was abusive towards a fourth woman, using manipulative and aggressive behaviour. Lord Arthurson has fixed a trial, which is scheduled to begin at the High Court in Glasgow, in June 2026. View More » Iain found fame in the Glasgow gang film Small Faces, from 1996. His other television credits include Rab C Nesbitt, Grange Hill, as well as a a documentary that saw him follow hiking routes around Scotland. MORE: Man guilty of murdering dog walker in 'brutal' attack while on the run MORE: Man, 31, arrested after teenager 'raped' in public toilet on Bournemouth Beach MORE: 'Nightclub predator' rapist joked about videos of his attacks in WhatsApp group
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I broke down in tears when my doctor said cancer - I'm haunted by one huge regret and have a warning for every single man, says Grange Hill's Lee Macdonald
Grange Hill legend Lee Macdonald has admitted that he is haunted by one huge regret after having two skin cancer scares that left him in tears. The actor, 57, who is arguably best known for playing Zammo McGuire in the popular BBC show, first noticed a 'black mark' on his face that 'wouldn't go away' back in 2023, but was later given the all clear. More recently he was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous spot called keratosis after noticing another mark on his cheek - and will have to get it taken out in the next few weeks. Lee has joined forces with O2 and The British Skin Foundation to raise awareness about their recent research, which has highlighted a 'significant disconnect between awareness and behaviour when it comes to sun protection'. The star wants to raise awareness about the importance of looking after your skin, especially after the terrifying scares that he has had. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline about his health, Lee said: 'About two years ago I had a little black mark in my eye, and it wouldn't go away. 'And then it started weeping, and it concerned me. But being a bloke you leave it and leave it there. You just don't bother. 'So I went to the doctors, and he said "It looks like it's a BCC." I said "What's a BC?", he said "It looks like cancer." He said "but we need to get you a biopsy to confirm". 'And I remember going down and sitting in the car with my friend Andy, and I cried for about an hour. It wasn't confirmed at that time, but just the word cancer, that really scared me. 'And they went to the first biopsy and they said "We need you to come back to give it another couple of weeks". 'Went back and they said "It isn't cancerous", which was a real relief, but a real eye opener. 'And then not this week, I've been obviously speaking to O2 and the campaign, and I've got a mark here [his cheek], which is like roughness of skin. 'Didn't think anything of it, but when I shave, it starts to bleed, and it's not gone. It's been there, it's probably been there on and off for about a year. 'But I just thought "Oh, it's a bit of skin, obviously it's not clearing up because I'm shaving over it". 'Made an appointment to the doctors, see the doctor on Saturday, and he said, it's a Keratosis, which can be pre cancerous. 'At the moment, it isn't cancerous, but it's through sun damage.' The star confessed that he was a regular user of sunbeds when he was a teenager in a bid to feel good about himself. He continued: 'And now I've got a appointment at the dermatologist to have it possibly burn out or cut out. 'So that's where we are with that now, and it's just been worrying for me because two scares within a short period of time. 'I'm now checking everything, and I am worried because my dad had skin cancer, and he cut that out many years ago. 'So I'm just really concerned. I just think people should be aware as well.' The star goes fishing every Sunday and makes sure that he is covered in sun cream, wears a hat and has even bought a bivvy (a fishing tent) to sit in so that he is out of the sun. Lee explained that the scares has appeared since he took up the hobby every weekend in the summer. He went on to add: 'I go fishing every Sunday, and you see blokes... 'Blokes are the worst ones. We don't put cream on, we just don't do it. 'And you see all the lads. And they're proper red, and they'll, take the mick out of it. 'He'll be going "Oh look at you," but not realising, as soon as you get a bit of sunburn, that is sun skin damage. So it's just, it's just quite worrying. 'And with my son, even when it's cloudy, my son got sunburned when the cloud was out a couple of weeks ago, and his step mum went absolutely mad at me for not taking care of it. 'And as blokes, what we do, we put a bit of sun cream on, and then leave it for the day and think that's okay... But it does need to be reapplied.' After leaving his role on Grange Hill, Lee wanted to feel and look his best so used sunbeds to give him a glow. When asked if he regrets using them, Lee said: 'Without a shadow of a doubt, if I look back now, obviously, because of my complaints, I wish I'd never, ever gone near them if I knew now what I knew, then I would not have touched them. 'I would not not go near them.' He explained: 'Back when I was 16, so we're talking many moons ago, and they were quite common [sunbeds], because mine was in my local swimming baths, and also a friend of mine had one at home. 'It just made me feel I'd have a sort of half hour sunbed and feel a bit although I wouldn't be tanned. 'I would go red and then go white again in the morning. I still have another one in a couple of days. It would just make me feel better. I'd feel like being on holiday. 'You know, just feel good. And they were regular. And I think they were quite popular at the time, and they were more accessible. 'You have sunbed shops now, but they seem to be everywhere. And I didn't even think about it. 'I don't think the worry about UV rays was so much a thing. I remember never thinking. 'Now I would never ever go on a sunbed. I wouldn't encourage people to go on a sunbed. 'If the sun's out there and you're going to use it, just protect yourself.' Lee added: 'I'd discourage people from going on sunbeds. And also, when you go on a sunbed, you don't put cream on, you just get on a sunbed and you're there to the UV rays. 'To me now, it seems madness, and if people can use, you know, fake tan, put a bit of fake tan on, or a little spray, or whatever, a tinted moisturiser. Do that. 'You're not doing yourself any favors long term. 'Well, mine's proved it. Many moons later, it's come back and bit me.' O2 and The British Skin Foundation's latest research has revealed that Brits put scrolling before using SPF. The research by O2 follows The British Skin Foundation's 'Burnable Billboard', that uses AI to show real-time sun damage to skin, aiming to raise awareness about sun protection. More in depth information on sun safety can be found on the BSF's website. What is malignant melanoma? Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its colour. While less common that other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Symptoms A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they're more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun. Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals. Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see. In particular, look for: Moles with an uneven shape or edges Moles with a mix of colours Large moles - melanomas often tend to be more than 6mm wide Moles that change size, shape or colour over time Causes Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of melanoma. It comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds. Melanoma is more common in older people, but younger people can also get it. You're also more likely to get melanoma if you have: Pale skin that burns easily in the sun Red or blonde hair Blue or green eyes A large number of freckles or moles Had a lot of sun exposure and you've had sunburn a lot in the past Used sunbeds a lot A history of skin cancer in your family or you've had skin cancer before If you have black or brown skin, you have a lower chance of getting melanoma, but you can still get it. Prevention Staying safe in the sun is the best way to lower your chance of getting skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma). Do the following: Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm in the UK) Keep your arms and legs covered and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection – make sure you reapply it regularly Make sure babies and children are protected from the sun – their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin Treatment Melanoma skin cancer can often be treated. The treatment you have will depend on where it is, if it has spread and your general health. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used. Surgery could involve removing the melanoma and an area of healthy skin around it, swollen lymph nodes if the cancer has spread to them and other parts of the body if it has spread to them. If a large part of skin has to be removed, a skin graft might be needed which could see kin taken from another part of the body to cover the area where the melanoma was. Radiotherpay is sometimes used to reduce the size of large melanomas and help control and relieve symptoms. Targeted medicines and immotherapy are used to treat melanomas that can't be dealt with by surgery, or have spread to lymph glands or other parts of the body. Chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells, is sometimes used to treat advanced melanoma when it has spread to another part of the body. It does not work as well as other treatments, but can be used if you are unable to have them. How dangerous is it? Generally for people with melanoma in England: almost all people (almost 100%) will survive their melanoma for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed around 90 out of every 100 people (around 90%) will survive their melanoma for 5 years or more after diagnosis more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85%) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed
