Gordon Ramsay has revealed he has had skin cancer removed from his face, taking to Instagram this morning to share news of his basal cell carcinoma diagnosis with fans.
The celebrity chef, 58, posted photographs showing stitches underneath his ear, thanking medical staff for their “fast reactive work” in removing the most common type of skin cancer.
Sharing images of both the bandaged wound and exposed stitches, he wrote: “Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank you!”
The Hell’s Kitchen star urged followers to protect themselves from sun damage, adding: “Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend. I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need a refund…”
Most Common Form of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma is both the most common type of skin cancer and the most common type of cancer overall, according to the Cleveland Clinic. More than 4 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
The Mayo Clinic says basal cell carcinoma most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, particularly the face, head and neck. It typically appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms.
The NHS states that basal cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma form of skin cancer which starts in the top layer of skin and is mainly caused by ultraviolet light from the sun and sunbeds. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body but can spoil the appearance of skin if left untreated.
The outdoorsy dad-of-six, who is often seen riding his bike and enjoys competing in endurance events, had clearly caught the cancer early. When detected promptly, most basal cell carcinomas can be treated and cured with minimal scarring.
Outpouring of Support
Fans and celebrity friends were quick to offer support following Ramsay’s announcement. TV judge Rob Rinder and Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller were among those sending messages of encouragement.
One fan commented: “We’re thankful you’re okay Chef Ramsay!”
Another said: “Oh man…hope you get better soon.”
A third wrote: “Glad you’re okay!”
Cancer Research UK responded to the post, saying: “Glad to hear you’re doing well, Gordon, and thanks for raising awareness of how important it is to stay safe in the sun.”
Several followers praised Ramsay for sharing his experience. “So important to share things like this, slap on a hat, suncream and seek shade, happy healing, well done to the amazing people who work in healthcare who do amazing work like this,” one person wrote.
Another follower added to Ramsay’s PSA, writing: “Both of my parents had surgery for skin cancer, my Dad lost his left ear. Please be careful out in the sun.”
Hell’s Kitchen Set for UK Return
The health scare comes as Ramsay is poised for a huge TV return with Hell’s Kitchen potentially coming back to British screens next year.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Fans of the show will be doubly thrilled by the prospect of the competition coming back and being able to dine at a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant over here.
Sources say early conversations are happening with ITV about reviving the cooking competition, which Ramsay launched in the UK in 2004 before taking it to America where it has run for 23 seasons.
The business-savvy chef has now also trademarked the Hell’s Kitchen name in the UK so it can be used in restaurants which could open immediately after the show reboots on ITV.
“Business-savvy Gordon has watched as the popularity of Hell’s Kitchen in the US has helped bring in thousands of customers to his restaurants,” the insider revealed.
Growing Restaurant Empire
Ramsay has already opened several Hell’s Kitchen-themed restaurants in America based on the hit TV show. The first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant opened in Las Vegas in January 2018, serving over 1 million Beef Wellingtons since opening.
Today, Hell’s Kitchen restaurants serve guests in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Southern California, Atlantic City, Washington D.C., Foxwoods, and Miami.
“The programme is broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world, so between tourists visiting Britain and developing a whole new audience for the telly contest in the UK, it’s an incredibly smart move on his part,” the TV source added.
The original UK version of Hell’s Kitchen ran for four series between 2004 and 2009, with Ramsay only presenting the first series before his Channel 4 contract prevented further appearances. The show was subsequently hosted by Gary Rhodes, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Marco Pierre White.
Previous Health Scare
This isn’t Ramsay’s first health scare this year. In June 2024, the MasterChef star revealed he had “a really bad accident” while biking in Connecticut that left him severely bruised all over his torso.
I’m doing ok and did not break any bones or suffer any major injuries, but I am a bit bruised up looking like a purple potato,” Ramsay explained at the time.
He thanked staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London who looked after him, adding he was “most thankful for my helmet that saved my life.
In December 2024, Ramsay shared an update revealing that the bruising had since “healed” in a year review montage video.
Treatment Options
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on the type, location and size of the cancer. The most common treatment is surgical excision, where doctors cut out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.
For facial cancers like Ramsay’s, Mohs surgery is often recommended. This technique removes the cancer layer by layer, with each layer examined under a microscope until no abnormal cells remain. This allows surgeons to remove all cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The procedure typically achieves cure rates of up to 99 per cent for tumours treated for the first time.
Ramsay’s quick action in seeking treatment and his public awareness message could help others spot potential skin cancers early. Experts recommend regular skin checks and immediate medical attention for any new or changing growths.
The chef, who runs Gordon Ramsay Restaurants with venues holding 17 Michelin stars overall and currently boasting eight, appears to be recovering well from the procedure.
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