Russell Grant is one of Britain’s most famous astrologers. He has written horoscopes for millions of newspaper readers for over 40 years. However, his life has taken a dramatic turn since his brain tumour diagnosis in 2022. Therefore, the Strictly star has faced his biggest challenge yet.
The 74-year-old has been open about his health battles. He also recently dealt with an eye condition that has no cure. As a result, his resilience has won him admiration from fans across the country [citation:1][citation:2].
Who Is Russell Grant?
Russell John Dammerall Grant was born on February 5, 1951, in Hillingdon, Middlesex [citation:4]. He grew up in a council house in the 1950s. His father worked as a sales rep for a car accessory business. His parents later worked at Pinewood Studios. Therefore, his childhood was humble but creative [citation:4].
He first appeared on television talking about astrology in 1979. He became a household name on BBC’s Breakfast Time from 1983 to 1986. Millions of viewers started their day with his “Your Stars” segment. Consequently, he earned the title “Astrologer Royal” [citation:4][citation:6].
Like Ellie Warner, Russell has turned his unique talent into a lasting media career.
Strictly Come Dancing Journey
Russell took part in the ninth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. The BBC partnered him with professional dancer Flavia Cacace. He was the ninth contestant eliminated. McFly drummer Harry Judd eventually won the Glitterball Trophy [citation:1][citation:4].
His most memorable moment came at Wembley Arena. The show fired him out of a cannon. “I demanded to rehearse it six times!” he later recalled. He added: “I would in no way swap the memories of the Wembley Arena” [citation:3][citation:5].
His mother convinced him to join the show. He initially said no because he lacked confidence. “My mum was wedded to Strictly, bless her,” he said. “She told me I had to go in and do it or I’d regret it for the rest of my life” [citation:3][citation:5].
Brain Tumour Diagnosis and Surgery
In December 2022, Russell underwent surgery for a pituitary brain tumour. He went into denial at first. “I was so scared,” he admitted to The Mirror [citation:2][citation:10].
His neurosurgeon, Professor Omar Pathmanaban, reassured him. The surgeon revealed that he watched Russell on breakfast television as a child. “It would be an honour and a privilege to take away your tumour,” he told the star [citation:2][citation:10].
The six-hour operation removed the tumour. However, doctors had warned it could “blank out” his optic nerve. Therefore, the surgery was urgent [citation:2][citation:10].
Doctors instructed him not to sneeze or blow his nose for six months. This precaution aimed to prevent complications after the surgery. As a result, he had to be very careful during his recovery [citation:2][citation:8].
Life After the Brain Tumour
The tumour had destroyed his pituitary gland. This small gland sits at the bottom of the brain. It controls many important bodily functions. Therefore, Russell now needs regular MRI scans, blood tests and hormonal checks [citation:1][citation:7].
He recently moved from his Victorian home in Snowdonia, Wales. He now lives in a small two-bedroom house near Manchester. The move brings him closer to his specialist hospital. Before the move, he faced an “eight-hour round trip several times a week” for treatment [citation:1][citation:7].
Steroids taken after the operation may have raised his blood sugar levels. He fears he might have returned to being diabetic. He once controlled Type 2 diabetes through diet alone. “It’s possible taking so many steroids to keep me going they’ve increased my blood sugar,” he explained [citation:3][citation:9].
Eye Health Scare and ‘No Cure’ Diagnosis
In January 2025, Russell woke up with “strange cottony things floating” in his left eye. He rushed to the opticians for tests. The next day, Blackpool Hospital called him into the eye clinic [citation:2][citation:5].
Doctors confirmed he had a bleed behind his eye. The good news was that he had no retinal damage. However, the bad news was that there is no cure for the resulting floaters. “It seems I have to befriend the floater!” he told his followers [citation:2][citation:3].
Like Mark Labbett, Russell has faced multiple health challenges with remarkable honesty and courage.
Recent Health Update: MRI Scans
In December 2025, Russell admitted that hospital visits “strike fear into his heart”. He tweeted about an upcoming MRI scan on his lumbar region. “How is it an MRI scan can strike fear into one’s heart like a McDonalds radio advert?” he asked his followers [citation:9].
Fans quickly rallied to support him. “Good luck Russell, you’ve gone through so much, you’ve got this!” one wrote. Others shared their own experiences to reassure him [citation:9].
Personal Life and Long-Term Partner
Russell has been with his partner Doug Beaumont for over 50 years. Doug works as his manager and has supported him throughout his career. The couple met when Russell worked as an actor in Blackpool. Doug was a stagehand at the theatre [citation:4].
He has spoken about losing both his grandmothers to Alzheimer’s disease. The losses caused him to suffer from clinical depression. He once weighed 27 stone (172 kg) during that difficult period [citation:4].
Career Shifts and Social Media
Russell admits he hasn’t “really worked” since 2019. That year, his father Frank passed away. A year later, he lost his mother, Jo. He had to watch her funeral via Zoom due to COVID restrictions [citation:1][citation:7].
The tumour had been “growing for 10 years” when doctors found it. He now has “limited contact” with people. As a result, his career has shifted towards social media. He continues to write horoscopes for newspapers. However, he has stepped back from pantomimes and stage shows despite having “offers coming in” [citation:1][citation:7].
Conclusion
Russell Grant has faced extraordinary health challenges with courage. From a brain tumour diagnosis to an eye condition with no cure, his resilience has inspired many. Therefore, he remains one of Britain’s most beloved media personalities.
“It’s reminded me every day is precious,” he said after his surgery. “Every day I need to do something that is important, not just for me but for the wider world” [citation:2][citation:10].
FAQs
How old is Russell Grant?
He was born on February 5, 1951, and is 74 years old.
What brain tumour did Russell Grant have?
He was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumour and underwent surgery in December 2022.
Is Russell Grant married?
He is not married but has been with his partner Doug Beaumont for over 50 years.
Is Russell Grant on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, he competed in the ninth series in 2011, partnered with Flavia Cacace.
Does Russell Grant have children?
No, there is no public record of him having children.
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