Dr Punam Krishnan, who made history on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing with the show’s first-ever Bollywood routine, has revealed she is battling breast cancer.
Scottish TV doctor and former Strictly contestant Punam Krishnan has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. In an emotional post on Facebook, the 42-year-old GP from Glasgow, thanked the NHS staff caring for her.
Krishan described the medical teams as “truly extraordinary” and expressed her gratitude for their support during a challenging time. The top doc competed in the 2024 series of the BBC dance competition alongside professional partner Gorka Marquez.
Together, they made history by performing the show’s first-ever traditional Bollywood routine to Bhole Chudiye, celebrating her South Asian heritage and earning widespread acclaim for bringing a new cultural dimension to the series.
Sharing her diagnosis publicly, Krishnan who is a regular face on BBC Morning Live, said she was given the devastating news five months ago.
She wrote: “I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer. I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth.
“I’ve spent almost two decades as a doctor, supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses. And yet, nothing – absolutely nothing – prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself.
“The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little.”
The GP praised the dedication of NHS professionals who have been supporting her. She said: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be cared for by the most extraordinary NHS team, from my GP through to my breast and oncology teams. And still… it’s been really hard. Much harder than I ever imagined.”
Krishnan, who is married to Dr Sandesh Gulhane, a Scottish Conservative MSP, said she has now completed treatment and decided to share what she has been going through to help others.
She added: “I’ve kept this private while going through treatment, trying to protect my energy and most of all – my children.
“My husband, my family and a small circle of friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget. When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what – and who – truly matters.
“I’m sharing this now because carrying it quietly has been heavy. Because I’ve always believed in honesty. And because life rarely looks like the highlight reel, even when it seems that way from the outside.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet – here I am.
“What I’ve learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine. My story began with an unusual feeling – a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered. Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right.
“This experience has changed me. It’s taken me to very dark places mentally – conversations about your own mortality will do that – but it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters.
“Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection.
“I have so much more to share when I’m ready. For now, thank you for being here and for holding space with such kindness.”
