STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Kym Marsh broke down in tears on tonight’s show after her dad’s hospital dash.
The actress and presenter, who was eliminated tonight, choked up when reflecting on her dad David’s support ahead of last night’s show.
Kym Marsh went out of Strictly tonight
Kym was tearful about her dad’s health struggle
Kym’s father David was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year
She said: “My dad has been so proud and it’s kind of kept him going. When he was in hospital last week, and obviously we weren’t here, all these guys sent him videos and it meant such a lot. My grandchildren are so proud.”
Kym lost out in the dance-off to Molly Rainford after returning to the show following time out with Covid.
The Morning Live host struggled with anxiety attacks after Dave was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.
Kym, who lives in Warrington, Cheshire, said: “I was working away four days a week, which was hard anyway because I was away from my daughter Polly and my family.
“Dad got sick and it was like, ‘I need to take a step back and go home for a while and do what I know I need to do.’ And that’s why I did. My anxiety was really bad at one point. I felt as though my work and everything was suffering. I sought help and am in a much better place now.
“I don’t think something like that ever really goes away but you learn to manage it. I got myself the help I needed.”
Kym, best known for her role as Michelle Connor in Corrie, said she is in awe of the medics at Clatterbridge Hospital, The Wirral, who are caring for her dad Dave, 77.
He was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer last year following a PSA test — a blood test which helps to detect the disease.
Kym said: “I think a normal level is between two and four and dad’s was well over thousand, so they knew something wasn’t right.”
Despite experiencing pain and other symptoms, Dave initially delayed a check-up with his GP due to the pandemic.
Kym says: “Dad knew how busy the NHS was with the pandemic and didn’t want to be a burden so put off going to the doctors.
“Unfortunately, by the time he did go and the cancer was found it had spread into his leg, rib, pelvis and spine.
“The diagnosis was devastating for all of us but he’s received the best care possible since.”
Kym has been attending hospital appointments with her dad and has nothing but praise for the team looking after him.
She says: “The level of care he’s getting is exceptional and I’m really grateful for that.”
