Kirsty Gallacher has shared a deeply emotional update, revealing that her brain tumour is “growing very fast” as she continues to undergo treatment. The 49-year-old former Sky Sports presenter was first diagnosed with a benign acoustic neuroma in the summer of 2021 and has since undergone rounds of radiotherapy in an effort to control its rapid growth (Sky News).

The broadcaster, who has long been a familiar face on British television, spoke candidly about her condition during a court appearance on Wednesday, 12 November, where she was handed a six-month driving ban for a speeding offence. Appearing visibly distressed, Kirsty told the court she remains uncertain about whether her current treatment plan will be successful and admitted that further radiotherapy or even surgery could lie ahead (The Guardian).

“The tumour is benign, but it’s growing very fast,” she explained. “They’ve monitored it for the last three years. I’m now doing radiotherapy, but we don’t know if it’s going to work, if it will shrink the tumour or not. It’s a bit of a ‘suck it and see’ situation. I have lots of appointments and have already taken a week off to undergo my first session. I may need more radiotherapy—or possibly an operation.”

Gallacher, who previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing, went on to describe the toll her health battle is taking on her daily life. The presenter, who shares two sons with ex-husband Paul Sampson, said: “I’m an ordinary mum with plates spinning. With my health, it’s going to be very difficult.” She added that the uncertainty of the treatment has created immense emotional pressure at home (BBC News).

Court Proceedings and Driving Ban

The speeding incident occurred on 1 April this year in Maiden’s Green, Berkshire, when Kirsty was caught driving 35mph in a 30mph zone at just after 8 a.m. She was already carrying nine penalty points at the time, and the offence—captured by a manned roadside camera—resulted in an automatic driving ban. Although Gallacher pleaded guilty, she appealed for an exemption due to her personal circumstances, explaining that she is the sole carer for her teenage sons.

“I’m their sole carer and provider financially,” she told the court, emphasising that they live “in the middle of nowhere,” where public transport is practically unavailable. She takes her son to school every morning, something she described as “important” to both of them. The court heard that a driving ban could severely disrupt her younger son’s ability to attend extracurricular activities like golf and rugby.

Despite her plea, magistrates ruled that the ban should stand, noting that the threshold for exceptional hardship had not been met. According to legal experts, such exemptions are rarely granted unless the defendant can prove substantial, immediate harm (The Independent).

Health Journey and Public Statements

Earlier this year, Gallacher opened up about her medical journey during an appearance on Loose Women. She explained that doctors had struggled initially to determine the source of her symptoms before identifying the tumour. “It’s called an acoustic neuroma. Mine is in the inner-ear canal, right in there, and it’s very dangerous. It’s basically inoperable,” she said. “Not always, but in my case it is. I’m really nervous. It’s growing, sadly, and it’s dangerous because it’s right by the brain” (ITV News).

Acoustic neuromas—also known as vestibular schwannomas—are rare, slow-growing tumours that develop on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. While benign, their position can cause complications involving balance, hearing, and facial nerve function. Treatment typically involves monitoring, radiotherapy, or surgery depending on size and growth rate (NHS).

Kirsty has continued to share health updates with her followers on social media, posting candid reflections and moments from her treatment journey. Her openness has drawn widespread support from fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have praised her resilience and honesty.

As she faces the uncertain months ahead, Gallacher says her priority remains her children and maintaining as normal a routine as possible, despite her rapidly evolving health challenges.