A Scouser has recalled the moment his life was put into perspective after he found a cancerous lump.
Mikey Connor, from Orrell Park, is currently appearing on I Kissed A Boy - hosted by pop singer Dannii Minogue. The Australian star plays the role of Cupid in the UK’s first gay dating show. The BBC series set in an Italian Masseria, follows ten queer guys “on a holiday of a lifetime in their search for that perfect date”.
The premise of the show focuses on the contestants kissing the first time they meet and then proceeding to get to know one another afterwards. In a recent episode, Mikey, a 28-year-old referee, opened up about a life-changing diagnosis.
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The former semi-professional footballer was speaking to fellow contestants Gareth and Kallum, when he said: “A while ago, I found a lump down below, in my left ball. I left, left it, left it. Then I was getting pains and all that and went to the doctor. I had to get scans and all that, and they told me: ‘We need to test you for testicular cancer.’ I was like: ‘Yeah, cool’.
“But the only way for them to do that was actually to remove the testicle. So, I got it removed and got it tested and it did actually come back as cancer. But you think, if I had just left that how far down the line would it have actually gone.”
He added: “When you get a scare you never actually think it’s going to happen to you. It’s still that mad thought of I’ve actually had cancer. God knows how long I’ve actually had it for.
“Life is precious, you’ve just got to go out and live the happiest, fullest life that you can. I think a lot of people take life for granted and just plod along. At the end of the day, life is short anyway. It can be even shorter in some circumstances.”
Viewers took to social media to express their gratitude for Mikey sharing his story with the world.
@MKidwellny wrote: “Thanks for sharing your story. It’s important for guys to self-check. I’ve known several guys who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer and early detection is definitely the key. Glad you are doing well and recovered.”
@LisaRachieru penned: “That conversation was inspiring. Fair play to you lad for being willing and able to share your story. You're a lovely lad and you deserve the best.”
@MancTradieLad added: “Yeno by sharing your story you will have given lads going through the same worries the courage to go get checked good on ya for sharing your story and glad you're doing well now la.”
Mikey, who joined the series at the end of episode one as a bombshell in Love Island terms, previously told the ECHO he was proud to be among the group of contestants to appear on the UK’s first gay dating show.
The part-time model and TikTok star said: “I learnt a lot about myself being on the show. I have always thought I knew who I was and thought I was comfortable with who I was, but really it wasn’t until I was surrounded living with 10 other boys who were just like me that realised I can actually just be myself and not have any judgements whatsoever.
“I learnt to be more confident in life and confident about myself in a safe place - of course with the world watching. I learnt from the other boys and their experiences and I loved listening to everyone’s different stories and how each and every one of us related to each other all at different times throughout our lives.”
Before entering the show, Mikey had two long-term relationships, both of which didn't end the way he wanted. The self-confessed flirt said he wears his heart on his sleeve and “tends to put his cards on the table too quickly”.
The former Liverpool John Moores University student said: “I’m super proud to be part of this show. When people have said you’re on the ‘gay Love Island’, I’m like no, don’t say that. I’d say it’s more meaningful and it’s something that isn’t cliched. I’m honoured to be able to share my own experiences on the show and we are all proud.”
I Kissed A Boy continues on Sundays and Mondays on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.
