Fred MacAulay reveals prostate cancer diagnosis
‘I'm determined not to let it get me down'
Fred MacAulay has revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 68-year-old says he has no symptoms but got checked out because of his family history.
His father – also named Fred – died aged 73 in 2002 having had prostate cancer and mesothelioma, and his brother Duncan also received a prostate cancer diagnosis eight years ago, when he was 64.
MacAulay, who presented BBC Radio Scotland's morning show from 1997 to 2015, told The Sunday Post: ‘I'm determined not to let a prostate cancer diagnosis get me down.’
He added: ‘I’ve even managed to stay away from the internet because I’d just scare myself to death. Instead, I’m putting my trust in my doctors, and comforting myself in the knowledge that I’ve been diagnosed very early which means I should have the best chance for a good outcome.
‘I’m lucky enough to be able to get the incredibly accurate MRI tests which can show things up quickly. When it became clear I’m more at risk because of the prevalence of prostate cancer in my family, I’ve been getting tested every couple of years.’
And he urged more men to get tested, saying: ‘ It could save their lives.’
MacAulay had originally been due to perform at the Gilded Balloon in the last week of the Edinburgh Fringe, but is no longer part of the programme.
He has been a stand-up since the mid-1980s and has appeared on They Think It's All Over, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, The Unbelievable Truth, Just a Minute, QI, The News Quiz, Mock the Week and Have I Got News For You .
Published: 21 Jul 2025
The line-up for this year’s Cat Laughs comedy…
25/04/2006
The full line-up of this year’s Glasgow Comedy…
23/01/2005
The line-up for this year’s Kilkenny comedy…
5/05/2004
Stan Boardman abandoned a stand-up show for an audience…
14/02/2004
Rich Hall, Bill Bailey, Daniel Kitson and Jimmy Carr…
4/05/2003
Sean Hughes, Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran will all…
11/02/2003
Johnny Vegas, Mark Thomas, Ed Byrne, Frank Carson…
23/01/2003
Johnny Vegas, Mark Thomas, Ed Byrne, Frank Carson…
23/01/2003
Dozens of Fringe performers are to record one-minute…
29/07/2002
A dedicated comedy agency has been launched for Scotland,…
18/10/2001
Past Shows
Edinburgh Fringe 2011
Edinburgh Fringe 2018
Afternoon with John and Camilla Cleese hosted by Fred MacAulay
Fred MacAulay and John Moloney
Edinburgh Fringe 2021
Fred MacAulay and Friends [Ed Fringe 2021]
Fred MacAulay in Conversation [2021]
Agent
We do not currently hold contact details for Fred MacAulay's agent. If you are a comic or agent wanting your details to appear here, for a one-off fee of £59, email steve@chortle.co.uk.