Trevor Sorbie, a regular on This Morning, has revealed he has 'weeks to live' after declining chemotherapy treatment that 'might have given him another month'. The 76 year old celebrity hairdresser, who last month announced his terminal bowel cancer diagnosis which has since spread to his liver, shared in an interview with the Times: "Chemo might give me another month but I can't face any more of that poison.
"When I asked a nurse if I'd still be here at Christmas, she said, 'We don't know, Trevor'. And that annoyed me. I've got cancer in my body, but not in here. My brain is my engine and I'll go when I'm ready."
Mr Sorbie, who has styled the likes of the Queen and Helen Mirren, also admitted to suffering from insomnia due to steroids used to reduce pain and inflammation.
His illustrious career includes styling Adam Ant, Bryan Ferry, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, the Beach Boys, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Robbie Williams, and Lorraine Kelly. Recalling the moment he first learned about his diagnosis following severe bleeding, he said: "I lost a lot of blood one night and was unusually disturbed so went to hospital.
"They told me I had bowel cancer and I had a little panic attack. I looked at Carole [his wife] and she looked at me, we were both speechless, didn't know what to say. So I went and had a big gin and tonic."
In 2009, Trevor devoted himself full-time to his charity, My New Hair, which he founded after styling a wig for his sister-in-law, Jackie, who was undergoing chemotherapy for bone cancer. Through his charity, he has educated thousands of hairdressers not only in cutting wigs but also in communicating with individuals nearing the end of their lives.
Trevor expressed his gratitude to his wife, Carole, describing her as "Florence Nightingale and Mother Teresa rolled into one". It was Carole who called for an ambulance one night in 2019 when Trevor began bleeding heavily.
He mentioned that prior to this, he had been experiencing diarrhoea and constipation for a few months, which he had initially ignored. Following surgery to remove a tumour from his bowel, he was informed that there was a five per cent chance of the cancer recurring, and unfortunately, it did.
Discussing his aspirations, Trevor said: "I want to live every day enjoying what I've got and making the most of it. Sorbie wishes to pass away at home, though not just yet, and has expressed his desire not to have a funeral. "Too upsetting. When the time comes, my ashes will be interred with Carole's and our little dog.
"But I'm going to defy medical science," he insists. "If the cancer reaches my brain, then I'll accept it, but until then, I'm in charge, and I'm going on my terms."
Last month, during an appearance on This Morning, he recounted a poignant interaction: "I had a nurse come round the other day to assess me and as I asked 'Will I make Christmas? ' She said 'I don't know Trevor'. I said 'I damn well will. The brain rules the body. The heart plays a big part as well but that is the engine. Because I've got a charity I've helped many women through cancer, cutting wigs for them. People handle it in different ways."
The NHS says on Bowel Cancer Symptoms:
For more information click here.
This Morning's Trevor Sorbie has opened up about ignoring two crucial signs of cancer before his devastating diagnosis. The 76-year-old hairdresser revealed that he could have just "weeks to live" after his terminal bowel cancer spread to his liver.
He told The Times that he had declined chemotherapy because he "can't face any more of that poison". Trevor was diagnosed with the condition in 2019 after his third wife Carole called an ambulance when he started bleeding heavily.
Despite his belief that he showed no signs of cancer, his wife pointed out two symptoms he had been overlooking "for months". She said the star had been experiencing diarrhoea and constipation but chose to ignore these warning signs for a heartbreaking reason. He admitted: "I'm a man. Men are scared."
The NHS states that changes in your stool, such as "having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you", can indicate bowel cancer. It advises seeing a doctor if these changes persist for three weeks or more.
Other symptoms of bowel cancer include rectal bleeding, feeling the need to defecate shortly after doing so, abdominal pain, bloating, sudden weight loss, and fatigue. While some of these symptoms may resemble those of other common conditions, the NHS emphasises that early detection of cancer can make it easier to treat.
Celebrity hairstylist Trevor, who's had the privilege of styling icons from the Queen to Helen Mirren, candidly opened up about his battle with cancer and the moment he faced mortality head-on. Recalling a conversation with a nurse, he share: "When I asked a nurse if I'd still be here at Christmas, she said, 'We don't know, Trevor'."
Unphased by the unsettling response, he added with determination: "And that annoyed me. I've got cancer in my body, but not in here. My brain is my engine and I'll go when I'm ready."
Trevor went through an operation to get rid of a vicious bowel tumour and despite doctors giving him a slim 5% prediction of its return, the dreaded disease made an unwelcome comeback.
In a career where his scissors could demand a £300 fee for a snip, Sorbie has spun tragedy into hope, founding 'My New Hair' after creating a unique wig look for his sister-in-law Jackie during her bone cancer fight in 2009. This charity became his passion, teaching legions of hairstylists not just in shearing wigs to perfection, but also in understanding the delicate art of conversing with folks on life's final chapter.
Though chemo put a stop to his own hair-cutting days by 2020 after enduring 24 cycles, Sorbie's spirit remains unyielding. He now finds immense joy in life's simpler gifts – a movie, pizza shared with his beloved wife, moments that gleam with newfound significance.
With an irrepressible sense of humour, he quipped to The Times, "I never knew dying could be this much fun," laying out wishes for his final days – a peaceful goodbye at home, no grand send-offs, just his wife and pup by his side when they lay his ashes to rest.
A doctor has shared a 'very common' symptom of bowel cancer that many people might dismiss after a This Morning star shared that they only have 'weeks to live'.
Trevor Sorbie, 76, disclosed that he had turned down chemotherapy after being diagnosed with the disease, which has now spread to his liver.
The renowned hairdresser told The Times that he had rejected treatment because he "can't face any more of that poison."
He added: "When I asked a nurse if I'd still be here at Christmas, she said, 'We don't know, Trevor' and that annoyed me. I've got cancer in my body, but not in here. My brain is my engine and I'll go when I'm ready."
Bowel cancer is fourth most prevalent cancer in the UK, accounting for 11% of all new cancer diagnoses. However, one significant symptom often goes unnoticed, an expert shared.
While blood in the stool can be a tell-tale sign, MrDr_HQ warned it often comes hand in hand with a less obvious symptom.
"It is usually accompanied by weight loss," he explained. Other symptoms to look out for, according to the expert, are "a change in bowel habits – i.e. you're going more often to the loo, or it's looser, or you're going less and you're more constipated."
He continued: "It can also sometimes be associated with abdominal pain, it can also be associated with night sweats.
"Lastly, it could be associated with a lump in your abdomen area. So if you've got any of those symptoms, make sure you go to your doctor and get that checked."
After a large bleed led doctors to discover his condition, Sorbie revealed: "I lost a lot of blood one night and was unusually disturbed so went to hospital. They told me I had bowel cancer and I had a little panic attack. I looked at Carole [his wife] and she looked at me, we were both speechless, didn't know what to say. So I went and had a big gin and tonic."
He has also opened up about battling insomnia, which he attributes to steroids prescribed to alleviate pain and swelling. With a remarkable career having worked with notables such as the Queen and Helen Mirren, other stars in Sorbie’s portfolio include George Harrison, Paul McCartney, the Beach Boys, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Robbie Williams, and Lorraine Kelly.
The NHS highlights certain factors that elevate the risk for bowel cancer: being above the age of 50, smoking, obesity, a family history of bowel cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the presence of bowel polyps, and genetic syndromes like Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
The hairdresser, 75, to the stars shared the sad news that he had terminal bowel cancer last month and has since been told he may not see Christmas.
He said at the time: 'I lost a lot of blood one night and was unusually disturbed so went to hospital. They told me I had bowel cancer and I had a little panic attack.'
Speaking about his plans for the coming weeks, he told The Times: 'I want to live every day enjoying what I've got and making the most if it.
'I never knew dying could be this much fun.'
Trevor also insisted he does not want a funeral, describing it as 'too upsetting'.
He said: 'When the time comes my ashes will be interred with [his wife] Carole's and our little dog.'
Trevor met Carole, his third wife, in 2007 when he was in his fifties. The couple split their time betwen London and their home in Gosport, Portsmouth.
The pair also work together, running the charity My New Hair which supplies wigs to people with cancer.
Appearing on This Morning last month alongside his wife Carole, Trevor revealed the sad news and said he found out in June he has around six months left.
He said: 'I lost a lot of blood one night and was unusually disturbed so went to hospital. They told me I had bowel cancer and I had a little panic attack.
'I looked at Carole and she looked at me, we were both speechless, I didn't know what to say. So I went and had a big gin and tonic.'
It then spread to his liver and he had a six and a half hour operation, he came back and he had another six and a half hour operation.
Carole spoke candidly about how she has coped with her husband's diagnosis, saying: 'It's totally overwhelming most days.
'But I get my strength through this man - he's guiding me through a good death - living a good life and dying a good death - and up until then I hadn't thought about that.
'But what we do every day now is show thanks for every day that we have and wake up together and it's all the simple things.
'Our little dog is pure medicine, we have a wonderful family, and we are supported by the whole Trevor Sorbie family… and we are all being guided by Trevor.'
She added: 'I did struggle and was crying a lot but Trevor and my son encourage me to go to counselling.
'I've actually started bereavement counselling which I didn't know you could do before.
'They are going to guide me through and hold my hand and up until two years, or however long it takes after the event.
'So I do feel very supported and feel lucky I have that support… but more so from Trevor than anyone because he's incredible.'
Meanwhile, Trevor told Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: 'I never wake up thinking, 'Oh poor me, I've got cancer' or feel sorry for myself.
'Sixty years I've worked passionately to achieve beyond my wildest dreams. When I go in it's my staff, I've had them for 30 years, I'm just one of the team.
'I had a nurse come round the other day to assess me and as I asked 'Will I make Christmas?' She said 'I don't know Trevor'.
'I said 'I damn well will'. The brain rules the body. The heart plays a big part as well but that is the engine.'
Trevor has one child, daughter Jade from his first marriage to Sue. He was later married to a woman named Kris.
A message posted on Trevor's official Instagram on Wednesday paid tribute to his incredible career.
'This morning, Trevor Sorbie MBE will be appearing on This Morning on ITV to reflect on his remarkable 45-year career and the journey he's been on since his cancer diagnosis five years ago.'
'From creating the revolutionary haircut that became The Wedge 50 years ago to opening his first salon in 1979, Trevor's creativity, kindness, and passion have transformed the world of hairdressing. His influence, from trend-setting styles like The Scrunch and The Wolf, to mentoring countless hairdressers, continues to inspire us all.'
'As Trevor now reaches the end of his cancer treatment, we know his time with us is limited, but his spirit remains focused on celebrating life and the remarkable legacy he has built.'
Trevor is the creator of the wedge haircut and a four-time British Hairdresser of the Year winner. He was appointed an MBE in 2004.
His celebrity clients include Paul McCartney, Helen Mirren, Grace Jones, Bryan Ferry, and The Beach Boys.
The hairdresser was also a regular on daytime shows such as This Morning and The Wright Stuff, offering advice or giving makeovers.
Following his emotional interview, viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to commend him on his bravery and said urged him to 'keep fighting'.
They wrote: 'sending hugs to Trevor and his wife xx'
'what a man! a genuine true legacy of a man! & the 2 of them, this team! Carole & Trevor are just the dream team. two awesome humans. Trevor, we love you. & we will never ever forget. thankyou thankyou thankyou for your work, your talents ie: that 'wedge' & more important, your beautiful smile'.
'So lovely to see you today Trevor, happy memories of the makeovers back in the day. By being on the show you have no doubt helped others. Sending lots of love to you and your lovely wife. x'
'Honestly God bless Trevor. I don't know how Ben and Kat held it together. What a gorgeous man and it's so so sad he will be gone soon... God bless'.
'What an emotional/uplifting interview. What an incredible man keep fighting Trevor'.
Looking back on his incredible career Trevor revealed he didn't plan to be a hairdresser originally.
He said, 'I wanted to be an artist. But I got bullied at school and my dad was a barber, and he said come into the salon… and I found hairdressing easy! I was cutting people's hair within three months, so I was still quite creative.'
Of his statement styles from the 70s and 80s, Trevor admitted, 'At the time you have no idea you are creating anything groundbreaking. You're just doing what you feel comes natural. I mean I invented scrunch drying as a bit of an accident - to speed up the process a little bit.'
Bowel, or colorectal, cancer affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.
Such tumours usually develop from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps.
Symptoms include:
Most cases have no clear cause, however, people are more at risk if they:
Treatment usually involves surgery, and chemo- and radiotherapy.
More than nine out of 10 people with stage one bowel cancer survive five years or more after their diagnosis.
This drops significantly if it is diagnosed in later stages.
According to Bowel Cancer UK figures, more than 41,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.
It affects around 40 per 100,000 adults per year in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute.
