Henry Cole diagnosed with gut cancer as live appearances cancelled
The Motorbike Show presenter Henry Cole says he will “come up smiling in February”, after revealing he has gut cancer.
The ITV presenter, Henry Cole, has revealed he has gut cancer during a post on social media, although the 62-year-old says the cancer is ‘localised’, and that it is easy to treat.
The news has meant that Museum Live 2026, hosted by the National Motorcycle Museum in October, will not feature a live appearance from Henry Cole.
Cole is therefore confident of making a full recovery, while The Motorbike Show presenter has also confirmed that all live appearances scheduled for the end of 2026, will now be re-booked for after Christmas.
Although Cole will miss Museum Live 2026, his long-time TV partners, Allen Millyard and Guy ‘Skid’ Willison, will be appearing alongside a star-studded group of guests.
This includes the likes of Steve Plater, who is set to host the ‘Henry Cole & Friends’ shows, Steve Parrish, John McGuinness and Jamie Whitham.
Despite revealing gut cancer, Cole was especially chirpy in his social media post, where filming for one of his latest episodes was taking place.
Cole will still appear as a guest at Museum Live 2026, however, this will be done via video link or through pre-recorded messages to the public.
After adjusting its schedule for the event next month, organisers of Museum live 2026 said:
“Following Henry’s recent announcement that he is undergoing cancer treatment and has cancelled his live appearances while he focuses on his health, we wanted to share an update on his involvement in Museum Live.
“While Henry won’t be appearing in person, he will still be part of the weekend, joining us either via a live video link or through pre-recorded messages. The Henry Cole & Friends shows will continue, with Allen Millyard, Guy ‘Skid’ Willison and Fuzz Townsend on stage, hosted by TT winner Steve Plater. There will also be guest appearances from Steve Parrish, John McGuinness MBE and Jamie Whitham.”
Cole recently appeared at the H&H Classics auction in July, where Millyard’s iconic Viper V10 motorcycle changed hands for the first time ever.
Museum live 2026 will take place from October 24-25 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull.
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