Big Brother legend Jon Tickle reunited with his series four housemates just months after it was revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease
A Big Brother legend has revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Jon Tickle rose to fame 23 years ago on the hit reality TV show and reunited with some of his series four housemates over the weekend.
But while the gang were thrilled to be back together and see some familiar faces from their past, one admits the occasion was tinged with sadness.
Just months ago, Jon, 52, was diagnosed with the disease that causes muscle weakness and gets worse over a few months or years. It’s usually life-shortening and currently there is no cure.
Sharing the news alongside a snap of the London reunion on Instagram, former contestant Ray Shah said: “It has taken us 23 years but we finally got to have a big brother reunion with most of the gang.
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“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.”
He then added: “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.”
Jon announced his condition on LinkedIn in September. At the time, he said: “Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS).”
He the praised the MND Association, saying they “have already been wonderfully helpful and as time goes on, their support will become more and more important to me, so I’d like to give something back in advance.”
He has been fundraising since and in September, posting on X, he said: “Mission accomplished: on Friday 25th September 2026, the NOBSON Cycling Club rode up the Col du Galibier in aid of the MNDA Association.”
Ray ended his social media post by saying the group won’t be waiting as long for their next catch up, adding: “Planning the next meet up already and we will get EVERYONE back this time.”
In the comments section, fellow star Justine Sellman said: “Omg it was such a magical night seeing everyone again! Big hugs and love to our very special friends group xxx.”
And a fan of the show gushed: “WOW amazing. Loved all the OC series on C4. None of you have aged esp. Justine. Thanks for sharing. Might just re-watch this series again.”
Jon earned a degree in physics from the University of Leicester before entering the house in 2003. He quickly became one of the most memorable characters in a house full of big personalities.
In the midst of the drama and chaos, Jon became known for his quietly intellectual attitude and rather quirky personality. He was also known to discuss the Star Wars saga at great length.
Jon was voted out on day 29, but came out on top in a vote by viewers to return. He became the first ever contestant to re-enter to the house – although he wasn’t allowed to win the prize on offer.
He went on to have a career on the small screen as host of Brainiac: Science Abuse on Sky One. The show saw him carry out weird and wonderful experiments – more often than not ending in a very big explosion.
He is also a patron of SATRO, a charity that aims to inspire young people to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Through this role, Jon participates in events and initiatives designed to foster curiosity and innovation among students.
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