Jade Goody Documentary Viewers Horrified As Star Learns Of Her Cervical Cancer Diagnosis On Air

Viewers of the final instalment of Channel 4's Jade Goody documentary were left shocked in scenes that show the reality TV star receiving her cancer diagnosis on air.

In the final segment of the three-part documentary, 'The Reality Star Who Changed Britain', Jade is told she has cervical cancer during an episode of the Indian version of Big Brother in August 2008.

In the heartbreaking scenes, the 27-year-old is called into the diary room where she receives a call from her doctor in London who tells her she has the disease.

Afterwards, Jade sobs down the phone to a family member, who tells her: "Jade, you're going to be OK."

Later, the star joins her fellow housemates insisting "I can't tell you anything," as they attempt to comfort her. Just two days after receiving the call, Jade was forced to fly back to the UK to receive treatment.

Viewers of the documentary were left saddened by the scenes and outraged that they were aired, with many taking aim at her publicist at the time, the late Max Clifford.

"Imagine having no moral or ethical code to film and air someone receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis on international TV. Appalling," wrote one viewer on Twitter.

"Had no idea #JadeGoody was told about her diagnosis live on TV. Poor girl exploited for ratings.. disgusting," penned another.

"The fact that Jade Goody was told she had cervical cancer live on air is still beyond belief! The production company and Max Clifford should be ashamed," said another.

PA

Jade underwent chemotherapy the following month, but by February 2009, Jade's publicist confirmed her cancer was terminal. Jade died on 22 March 2009, just seven months after her diagnosis. She left behind two children, Bobby, 5, and Freddie, 4.

Following her death, there was a huge rise in women booking cervical screenings with a reported 400,000 more women booking in. Sadly that number has dropped significantly in recent years, with campaigners working hard to increase awareness of the importance of smears.

Topics: Entertainment News

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara is a freelance journalist working for Tyla. After graduating from the University of Sussex, Ciara worked as a writer at GLAMOUR Magazine and later as the Assistant Editor of Yahoo Style UK.

@ciarasheppard