In a recent announcement, M-Net shared that Derek Watts, the esteemed anchor of Carte Blanche, was undergoing treatment for cancer and assured viewers of his eventual return.
ALSO SEE: Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts diagnosed with skin cancer
Unfortunately, it seems that circumstances have changed, and Watts has now made it clear that he will not be coming back to the show after his 35-year tenure.
Watts received a diagnosis of skin cancer last year, which had already metastasized to his lungs. Approximately two months later, he suffered a collapse during a family trip in Hoedspruit, initially suspected to be a stroke but later diagnosed as severe sepsis, which complicated his cancer treatment.
Following his health ordeal, Watts had to undergo physiotherapy to regain the ability to walk.
During an interview with Rapport newspaper, as reported by News24, Watts openly shared that he will not be returning to Carte Blanche and that his time as the anchor and presenter for the show has come to an end. It marks the conclusion of an illustrious 35-year career on the programme.
According to Watts, he noticed a lump under his arm in 2022, but he didn’t take it seriously and delayed going to the doctor. It was only after continuous insistence from his wife, Belinda, that he finally sought medical attention. By that time, the lump had grown significantly, and a sonar scan revealed spots on his lungs. Unfortunately, due to its proximity to nerves, the lump couldn’t be surgically removed. He then began a treatment regimen, starting with immunotherapy, which lasted for over a year.
With the cancer affecting his lungs, Watts now requires intermittent use of an oxygen machine due to reduced lung capacity. To avoid a sepsis flare-up, he had to temporarily stop chemotherapy, although his oncologists advise resuming the treatment.
Despite these challenges, Watts maintains a positive outlook with the support of his family.
Written by for Cape Town Etc.
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Ruda Landman visits Derek Watts in hospital & shares updates
Feature Image: Twitter / @DerekWatts
