Former Big Brother housemate and Brainiac star Jon Tickle has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, fellow contestant Ray Shah has revealed.
The news emerged as Shah shared photographs of a cast reunion held in London over the weekend.
Shah, 48, said most of the group had come together more than two decades after they appeared on the programme.
The pair found fame on the fourth series of the Channel 4 reality show in 2003.
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.
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.”
“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.
MND causes muscle weakness that gets progressively worse over months or years, according to the NHS.
Symptoms include stiff or weak hands, feet and legs, as well as spasms and muscle cramps.
The condition is usually life-shortening and there is currently no cure.
Read MoreJohn le Carré's son brings back George Smiley in new Cold War thriller
Russell Brand’s enablers were TV execs. Online, we pay misogynists like him directly
Married At First Sight UK accuser reacts to show's cancellation after investigation
Russell Brand and Noel Fielding joke about rape in resurfaced Channel 4 clip
Marco Pierre White reveals the real reason behind his feud with Gordon Ramsey
Vanessa Feltz speaks out as Russell Brand's comments about daughter, 15, resurface
