Former TOTP presenter, 52, admits ‘I need to stop drinking’ after cancer battle and tells fans ‘I find it really hard’
A TOP Of The Pops presenter has admitted she “needs to stop drinking” after bravely opening up on her cancer battle.
BBC show favourite Sarah Cawood, 52 – who was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2022 – has opened up on her tough struggle to go sober.
At the time of diagnosis two years ago, Sarah’s condition meant she had to come off HRT, which she was taking for the menopause.
A year later, in 2023, the London-born TV star revealed another worrying update as she found a fresh lump nine months after her initial health shock.
And last year, Sarah broke down in tears as she detailed fears her cancer had returned.
Now she has uploaded a fresh video to her Instagram grid showing her sitting by a window drinking a bottle of water.
The broadcaster can be seen looking serious as she sips, while staring out of the window.
In the clip, Sarah donned a black shirt and going make-up free, leaving her red hair in a straight style.
In her extremely candid video caption, she wrote: “I need to stop drinking. Like stop completely.
“I don’t drink loads but I increasingly feel like I lose time when I do and it’s (I think) making my arthritis worse (and there’s a multitude of other issues that go along with it that we can delve into another time.)
“The thing is: I FIND IT REALLY HARD NOT TO DRINK. I fall off the wagon so quickly.
“I HATE when people make me feel bad about not drinking: I’m a people-pleasing drinker. I also get bored when everyone else gets boozy and I feel the FOMO and like I’m missing out on the drunken bonding.
“But I’ve had cancer FFS! What am I even doing drinking?
“So I’m putting it out here for advice and encouragement. And to show you that no matter how much it looks like someone you follow has their shit together, they probably don’t behind closed doors.”
She wrapped the message with the simple word: “Onwards.”
Fans were quick to offer the TOTP alum messages of support, and one wrote: “You have acknowledged you have a problem with the horrible drink and that’s the first step. So todays the first day of the future.”
What to do if you think are an alcoholic
IF you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, the most important thing is to recognise the problem and seek support – You don’t have to face it alone.
Seek Professional Help
- GP or Doctor – A medical professional can assess your situation and provide advice on treatment options.
- Therapists or Counsellors – Talking to an addiction specialist can help address underlying causes and develop coping strategies.
- Rehab or Detox Programmes – If physical dependence is severe, medically supervised detox may be necessary.
Consider Support Groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – A well-known 12-step programme that provides peer support.
- SMART Recovery – A science-based alternative to AA, focusing on self-empowerment.
- Local Support Groups – Many communities have groups tailored to different needs.
Another posted: “It’s just breaking that habit. Xx”
A third agreed: “Not easy at all.”
Sarah again revealed her struggle in a candid video uploaded just hours after, following a night out.
In the clip, which saw her pottering around her home before directing her dialogue to camera, she again opened up on her mission to go alcohol free.
She told the camera: “The memory of drinking too much on Friday, I mean I wasn’t rolling drunk, I just have no get up and go.
“I like the sober life, I really do.
“I lasted six weeks for Dry January, then you just slip back really slowly don’t you into old ways.”
LASTING IMPACT
Previously, Sarah told of the lasting impact of her cancer diagnosis.
In a post last year, she admitted the fear of the disease making a return.
It also came after she opened up on her money worries as she juggled her health issues.
Sarah told fans: “It never leaves you. The fear that It’s Back.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about but here’s the thing: I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
“My life is wonderful and I don’t want it to end anytime soon, and this stupid f**king thing that I had, it’s always there, like a shadow on a sunny day, threatening to ruin this amazing life I’m leading.
“I hope I’m overreacting, and I’m sure I am, but I’m posting this because this is the reality of having cancer: it never ever really leaves you.
“The disease does, but the anxiety is with you for the rest of your life. Here’s hoping it’s a long and healthy one.”