Telly host Nicki Chapman is on the mend, back at work – and says a brain tumour that shook her to the core has been a “dark gift”.
Philosophical Nicki says her illness has made her more patient, more forgiving and less judgmental.
She had life-saving surgery just six weeks ago after being diagnosed with a tumour the size of a golf ball.
Nicki, 52, feared she had suffered a stroke when she was unable to speak at a photo-shoot. Tests revealed a tumour.
Now back at work, the former Popstars and Pop Idol judge reveals her new perspective on life.
She says: “Someone told me it’s a dark gift when you get diagnosed with something like this.
“I know what they mean. It absolutely changes your perspective.
“It was so scary. I was petrified and I remained as positive as I could.
“And now I look at people in a slightly different way. I don’t judge them so quickly. I hope now I am more patient, more kind, more forgiving.
"Before, I was quite judgmental. I hope all of life experiences change you and make you a better and stronger person.”
Nicki, who talked about her battle on ITV’s This Morning, says husband Dave Shackleton has given her fantastic support – as did the NHS.
She adds: “I knew the NHS were brilliant – I now literally worship their feet They make you feel so special and as if you are the first person to have this. You are not.
"You are the 100th person they are dealing with saying the same thing again and again.
“I have been fortunate. When you hear other people’s stories and you realise the outcome hasn’t been as good as mine, it makes you feel very grateful.
“My husband has also been amazing and incredible over the last few months looking after me. I am lucky to have him. He really does make me complete.”
Nicki loves being back at work. She is filming a new series of the BBC’s Escape to the Country and will host The Great Gardening Challenge, a makeover series on Channel 5.
It sees professional gardeners compete in a knockout format along the lines of the Great British Bake Off.
Nicki says: “Gardening is definitely the new baking. My garden is my oasis and it has kept me sane recently!
“The gardeners are so creative. I loved doing it and I hope it inspires people.”
Music, of course, is a passion too.
Nicki – who has worked with David Bowie and the Spice Girls, is off to Glast-onbury this week.
But with a chuckle she admits: “I am not going to slum it! We are staying in a cottage and so if it is too much I can chill out.”
