Jon Tickle’s Big Brother castmates learn of motor neurone disease diagnosis

Original Big Brother housemates reunite for first time in 23 years

Tickle, now 52, was among the original housemates when the fourth series aired on Channel 4. 

Shah said the diagnosis was made a few months ago, but the group only came together for its first proper reunion since the show this weekend.

Sharing pictures from Saturday night on Instagram, Shah said it had taken 23 years to get most of the group back in one place. 

He described the occasion as joyful, but admitted there was "a touch of sadness" because of Tickle's diagnosis.

He wrote: "It has taken us 23 years, but we finally got to have a Big Brother reunion with most of the gang."

Shah then added: "There's a touch of sadness to it though as Jon Tickle was diagnosed with motor neuron disease a few months ago."

Jon Tickle's co-stars look ahead to another Big Brother reunion

The news was also met with warm messages from other former housemates. Justine Sellman, who attended the gathering, wrote: "Omg it was such a magical night seeing everyone again! Big hugs and love to our very special friends group."

According to the Evening Standard, Shah also thanked Joanne "Sissy" Rooney for organising the reunion and said the group had already started discussing another get-together. 

He hopes to have the full cast there next time, adding: "we will get EVERYONE back".

Tickle has kept in contact with several of his fellow contestants since appearing on the fourth series of Big Brother in 2003, making Saturday's gathering the first proper chance for most of the group to reunite in more than two decades.