Scottish comedian Janey Godley has had to cancel her upcoming UK tour, Why Is She Still Here?, due to complications from her ongoing battle with terminal ovarian cancer.
The 63-year-old comedian, who rose to fame for her viral COVID-19 parody videos, shared the news with her fans in a heartfelt social media video, revealing that her cancer has progressed.
She is currently in the hospital being treated for sepsis, a serious condition that is now under control. Her doctors have advised her not to work, emphasizing the importance of focusing on her health and recovery.
Godley has been living with stage four ovarian cancer since her diagnosis in November 2021. Despite initial success with treatment, which kept the disease at bay, the cancer has recently returned with additional complications.
This setback has forced her to make the difficult decision to step back from performing, a choice that has left her deeply saddened as she had been looking forward to connecting with her audience on her planned tour.
Her team expressed gratitude for the support of the Scottish NHS, which has provided exceptional care throughout her treatment.
The news of the tour cancellation is disappointing for Godley’s many loyal fans and the venues that were set to host her performances.
In her statement, her team expressed Godley devastation at having to let down her supporters but emphasized her need to prioritize her health at this critical time. She also took the opportunity to thank her fans and the public for their unwavering love and support, which have been a source of strength during her battle with cancer.
The statement:
“Janey has been living with stage four ovarian cancer for the past few years and the treatment from the wonderful Scottish NHS has kept the disease at bay, but sadly in the last few weeks the cancer has returned and there have been a few added complications.
“Her doctors have now advised her that she must stop work for the foreseeable future.
“Janey is devastated to let down her thousands of loyal fans, and the wonderful venues she has played many times over the years.
“She would like to thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time.”
Godley’s career has been marked by both highs and lows. She gained widespread recognition during the pandemic for her humorous dubbed versions of Nicola Sturgeon’s COVID briefings, which resonated with many during the challenging lockdown periods.
However, in the same year she revealed her cancer diagnosis, Godley also faced controversy when offensive tweets she had posted years earlier resurfaced.
The backlash led to the removal of her involvement in Scottish government coronavirus adverts and she donated her £12,000 fee to charity, along with issuing a public apology for her past comments.
In 2022, Godley received positive news when a scan showed no evidence of disease, leading her to believe she was on the path to recovery. She even resumed touring in early 2023 after another scan revealed signs of cancer in her abdomen.
Determined to continue performing despite her diagnosis, she credited fellow comedian Jimmy Carr for encouraging her to stay on stage. His advice helped her push through and complete a series of tour dates across the UK, bringing laughter to audiences in cities like Bristol, Epsom, Norwich, and Milton Keynes.
Despite her recent health challenges, Godley has remained resilient and continued to engage with her audience, using her platform to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and the importance of support for those affected by it.
Her journey has been one of courage and determination, marked by her dedication to her craft and her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. As she steps away from the spotlight to focus on her health, her fans and the wider community continue to send their love and best wishes, hoping for her strength and recovery.
