Clive Myrie is one of the BBC’s most respected journalists. He has reported from war zones across the globe and now hosts Mastermind. In recent years, sharp-eyed viewers have noticed changes in his appearance. A scar on his neck and a drooping eye have sparked concern. In 2026, searches for “Clive Myrie illness” remain very high. Fans want reassurance about the 61-year-old broadcaster’s health.
The veteran news anchor has been remarkably open about his health scares. Like Paris Fury, he has faced fears about leaving his family behind. Therefore, this guide covers everything Clive Myrie has said about his benign tumour, his drooping eye, and why viewers have no reason to worry.
What Is the Scar on Clive Myrie’s Neck?
The scar on Clive Myrie’s neck is the result of surgery to remove a benign tumour. The growth was found behind his left ear in 2019. Doctors described it as being roughly the size of a squash ball .
“I had a tumour behind my left ear, which was benign thankfully. I didn’t have chemo or anything, I just had it cut out,” Clive explained on the Desperately Seeking Wisdom podcast .
However, the benign diagnosis did not stop him from confronting his own mortality. The tumour was discovered while he was caring for his elderly mother and mother-in-law, who both have dementia.
‘I Don’t Want to Leave This Life Behind’
Clive’s health scare forced him to consider a terrifying reality. “Every little sort of kink or little bit of pain here or there, you think more about, it’s more in your mind as you get older,” he admitted .
He also revealed: “You don’t want to leave this life behind because it’s been a good one.” His thoughts immediately turned to the loved ones he might leave behind. These included his long-term wife, Catherine Myrie, and his parents .
“I’ve started to think about what it’s going to be like for them if I’m not here,” Clive added. “The idea of not being part of this life on a number of levels is sobering” . Yazmin Oukhellou also faced her own mortality after a near-fatal car crash in Turkey.
Clive Myrie’s History of Writing ‘Goodbye’ Letters
This is not the first time Clive has contemplated his own death. Throughout his distinguished career, he has covered some of the world’s most perilous war zones. His most distressing deployment was being embedded with 40 Commando Royal Marines during the 2003 Iraq invasion .
Looking back on that harrowing period, he revealed he wrote a “goodbye” letter to his loved ones before each dangerous assignment. More recently, he travelled to Ukraine to broadcast live from the frontline during Russia’s invasion, again putting himself in harm’s way to report the news .
Why Is Clive Myrie’s Eye Drooping? Ptosis Explained
In 2025, viewers became concerned when they noticed Clive’s left eye appeared to be drooping during broadcasts. He quickly moved to reassure fans, explaining it was caused by a simple infection and was not serious .
Writing on X (formerly Twitter) at the time, Clive joked about wanting to wear an eye patch on air. However, he said “the boss said no” .
Following Clive’s explanation, Dr Alasdair Scott, science director at Selph, clarified that drooping of the eyelid is medically termed “ptosis”. The condition can be present from birth due to developmental issues. However, it more commonly emerges in later years, affecting one in five adults over the age of 70 .
“As we age, the skin and muscles around the eyes stretch and weaken causing drooping of the eyelid,” Dr Scott explained . With over nine million people aged over 70 in the UK, this suggests as many as 1.8 million could be experiencing ptosis .
“Anything that causes swelling around the eye – such as trauma or infection – can lead to ptosis. Common eye infections include conjunctivitis, a chalazion or stye,” Dr Scott added . Bonnie Blue’s health concerns have been of a very different nature, focusing on recovery after cosmetic surgery.
Death Threats: The Dark Side of the Job
Beyond his physical health, Clive has also faced severe mental strain from his job. He revealed on the Desert Island Discs radio show that he had received a terrifying death threat. The threat included details of the type of bullet that would be used to kill him .
“I was shaken for a while. I thought it’s just someone showboating, it’s just bravado,” Clive admitted .
However, the threat became very real. “They tracked down this character and it turned out he had previous convictions for firearms offences. So I thought, ‘Oh my God, what, if anything, might this person have been planning?'” .
He has also been sent faeces and cards with images of gorillas throughout his career, reflecting the disturbing level of racist abuse he has endured.
Clive Myrie’s Personal Life: Wife and Bolton Roots
Born in Farnworth, Bolton, in 1964, Clive grew up in a working-class family. His parents emigrated from Jamaica in the 1960s . He attended Thornleigh Salesian College before starting his journalism career at the Bolton Evening News.
He has been married to his wife Catherine for over three decades. She has been a constant source of support throughout his health scares and dangerous assignments. Izzie Balmer keeps her personal life very private, while Clive has occasionally given glimpses into his home life.
Mastermind and Recent TV Projects
Despite his health scares, Clive has remained busier than ever. In 2023, he became the new host of the iconic BBC quiz show Mastermind. He has also fronted his own travel series, “Clive Myrie’s African Adventure,” which aired on BBC Two .
More recently, he has presented “Just One Thing” on BBC Two, recommending healthy habits to the public . In one episode, he advised a business owner concerned about her family’s history of type 2 diabetes to make press-ups her new best habit .
Why Clive Myrie’s Illness Is Still Trending
Clive Myrie continues to trend for several reasons. His prominent role hosting Mastermind keeps him in the public eye weekly. His travel documentaries attract millions of viewers. The visible scar on his neck prompts ongoing curiosity. Additionally, his candid interviews about his health and death threats have further humanised the respected journalist.
Clive remains a reassuring presence on British screens. His openness about his health battles has only increased public affection for him. Adam from MAFS also faced public scrutiny, but for very different reasons involving his personal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What illness does Clive Myrie have?
Clive Myrie was diagnosed with a benign tumour behind his left ear in 2019, which was surgically removed. He does not have cancer.
Why does Clive Myrie have a scar on his neck?
The scar is from surgery to remove a benign tumour, described as the size of a squash ball, from behind his left ear.
Does Clive Myrie have a drooping eye?
Yes. The condition is called ptosis. He has explained it is not serious and was caused by an infection.
How old is Clive Myrie?
He was born in 1964. He is 61 years old as of 2026.
Is Clive Myrie still on Mastermind?
Yes. He continues to host the iconic BBC quiz show Mastermind.
Is Clive Myrie married?
Yes. He has been married to his wife Catherine for over three decades.
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