Big Brother star Jon Tickle diagnosed with motor neurone disease

TV presenter Ray Shah has revealed his fellow Big Brother contestant Jon Tickle has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).The pair rose to fame appearing on the fourth series of the Channel 4 reality show in 2003.Shah, 48, shared several snaps on Instagram as he revealed that most of the cast had reunited in London over the weekend, more than two decades after appearing on the programme.However, the Irish broadcaster said there was a “touch of sadness” to the reunion as he revealed that his co-star Tickle, who was also in attendance, had been diagnosed with the neurological condition.MND causes muscle weakness that gets progressively worse over months or years, with symptoms including stiff or weak hands, feet and legs, as well as spasms and muscle cramps, according to the NHS.The condition is usually life-shortening and there is currently no cure.Shah wrote: “It has taken us 23 years, but we finally got to have a big brother reunion with most of the gang.“For those that don’t know, we were Big Brother 4… One of the OG’s.“What a great laugh we had meeting up last night in London.“There’s a touch of sadness to it though as Jon Tickle was diagnosed with motor neuron disease a few months ago.”Big Brother 4 housemates (from left to right) Jon Tickle, Nush Nowak and Gos (Myung Jung Kim/PA)PA Archive“But fair play to Sissy, she helped get us all together,” he added, referring to former co-star Joanne “Sissy” Rooney.“Planning the next meet up already and we will get EVERYONE back this time.“Until the next time legends.”The post was accompanied by several snaps of Shah, Tickle and Rooney at a pub, alongside fellow Big Brother stars including Annuszka “Nush” Nowak and Federico Martone.Justine Sellman, who was also in attendance, commented: “Omg it was such a magical night seeing everyone again!“Big hugs and love to our very special friends group.”Tickle, 52, rose to fame appearing on Big Brother and went on to present television programmes including the science-based show Brainiac.The Norwich-born star was evicted from the Big Brother house on day 29 of the series but was later allowed to return following a public vote.