The world of showbiz was left reeling after it emerged that Angie Best — the first wife of football icon George Best — has been diagnosed with colon cancer, with the illness now spreading to her liver.
George Best’s first wife Angie has been diagnosed with colon cancerCredit: Alamy
Their son, TV personality Calum Best, 44, shared the tragic update in an emotional video posted on social media, revealing that his 73-year-old mum received the diagnosis just a few weeks ago.
Struggling to hold back tears, Calum said he had spent weeks trying to find the right words, but when it comes to health and family, honesty mattered most.
Their son Calum Best revealed the sad news in a heartbreaking video todayCredit: Instagram
“A few weeks ago, my beautiful, wonderful mum was diagnosed with cancer,” he told fans. “For as long as I can remember, she has lived her life rooted in health, fitness and wellbeing. She’s always believed in caring for the body, mind and soul — but cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
He added that the disease “doesn’t care where you’re from, how you live, or how healthy you try to be,” admitting he hasn’t cried in years but this news has taken him on an emotional rollercoaster he never expected.
Angie said she is ‘ready to fight’ this diseaseCredit: PA:Press Association
Calum revealed that Angie’s colon cancer has now spread to her liver and explained why he has launched a GoFundMe page, saying he can no longer manage the financial burden alone.
“To move forward, we need access to specialist care and professionals who can offer the right treatment,” he said. “This is incredibly hard for me to say, but financially, I can’t carry this on my own.”
Calum has set up a GoFundMe page to help with financial supportCredit: Rex
He urged supporters that any donation — no matter how small — would help them access vital specialists, treatment and care, promising to keep fans updated as Angie also plans to share videos when she feels strong enough.
TV-AM Party – George Best and Family – London 5 Angie and George Best divorced in 1986Credit: PA:Press Association
Alongside Calum’s message, Angie posted her own defiant words, insisting she is “ready to fight” the disease. She admitted that consultations and research are costly, but said she believes the information she gains could one day help others, reminding followers that statistics suggest one in two people will face cancer in their lifetime.
Messages of love quickly poured in from devastated fans, sending support, healing energy and heartfelt prayers to both mother and son.
Angie first met George Best at a dinner party in Los Angeles in 1975 while he was signing for the LA Aztecs. Their whirlwind romance was described as “love at first sight.” They married in January 1976 and welcomed son Calum in 1981 before separating the following year and divorcing in 1986 amid George’s struggles with alcohol and domestic violence.
Now, decades later, Calum says the family is facing its toughest battle yet — and hoping the public will stand with them through Angie’s fight for her life.