Big Brother legend, 40, shares update on ‘rare’ brain tumour as she reveals worrying ‘growth’ one year after diagnosis
Big Brother star Charlie Doherty has shared a health update after being diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.
The 40-year-old reality TV personality, who appeared on the show in 2016 alongside Andrew Tate and Lateysha Grace, revealed her acoustic neuroma diagnosis in 2024.
Doherty initially described the diagnosis as “scary and shocking” after suffering from symptoms including extreme sound sensitivity and beeping noises in her ear.
She has now provided an update on her condition nearly a year after first learning about the rare brain tumour.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star, Doherty revealed her tumour has grown to 18 millimetres.
“It’s stable and I had a six-month MRI, when they just check on it, they basically said that all was well,” she explained.
She was initially told the tumour measured around 13 millimetres, but doctors advised against using that measurement.
This was because her first scan was “grainy” and not very “HD”, whereas her more recent scan at King’s College Hospital was done on what she described as “the creme de la creme, the Rolls-Royce of MRI machines”.
Doherty explained that doctors had discussed potential future treatments with her.
“They did initially say that I might have to eventually have brain surgery or camera surgery as well, where they target radio therapy for brain swelling,” she told the Daily Star.
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However, these treatments come with significant risks.
“But they warned that it might make you feel really ill for up to two years, but people take the risk trying to avoid anything worse,” she added.
The reality star acknowledged the complexity of her situation, saying: “It’s so different when it’s in your head, it’s not as easy as just say, ‘Look, just get it out.'”
When talking about what may have triggered her illness, the mum-of-one shared her theory with the publication, claiming her pregnancy may have played a part in “triggering” the growth.
Doherty also explained she had done extensive research on the condition. “I think it was me getting pregnant and all the hormones, I think that gave me a bit of a growth,” she added.
She believes the tumour may have been present for some time without causing problems.
“So I think I’ve had it for years, and it’s just been small enough for me to not get symptoms.”
Despite the diagnosis, Doherty is maintaining a positive outlook on her situation.
“It is what it is. And hey, you know, at the moment, they’re not too worried, so I’m only going to stress when I actually need to and they say that we’re in a bit of trouble,” she told the Daily Star.
This pragmatic approach comes after the initial shock of her diagnosis last year.
Although facing uncertainty about her condition, Doherty previously stated she was “just trying to keep a positive mind on everything”.
Her doctors currently aren’t overly concerned about her condition, allowing her to focus on the present rather than potential future complications.
Doherty’s diagnosis came after she grew frustrated with medical professionals who initially dismissed her symptoms.
Last year, she pushed for further testing after being “fobbed off” by doctors who couldn’t find anything wrong.
After a CT scan showed no issues, she firmly demanded an MRI which finally revealed the tumour.
Doherty took to Instagram to announce her diagnosis, urging awareness of the condition. “If you know there’s something wrong, get a second opinion, and keep pushing for further tests,” she advised at the time.
She also speculated about possible causes, mentioning “mobile phone use in my right ear for a number of years/sunbeds/nightclubs in loud music.”