Dame Deborah James makes last TV appearance as she continues 'smashing taboos' during end-of-life care

Deborah James has made her last TV appearance filmed before she was given the devastating news she'd be moved to end-of-life care. The podcast host and cancer campaigner was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, and in May revealed she had exhausted all treatment options and that she didn't know how long she had left to live.

In her latest move to raise awareness of the disease, Deborah, who was made a Dame last month and received her honour at her parent's Surrey home from Prince William, encouraged “smashing taboos” associated with bowel movements as it may “save lives” by helping people recognise bowel cancer symptoms.

The 40-year-old, known as Bowel Babe online, appeared on Thursday night (June 16) in an episode of Embarrassing Bodies. She had feared she wouldn't be able to see her appearance but Channel 4 brought forward the episode's release.

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Recorded while she was still in hospital, Dame Deborah encouraged viewers to "not be embarrassed about it," and recognise the importance of monitoring their bowel movements. She said: "We all poo, our favourite celebrities poo! Let’s kind of break down smash those taboos because quite frankly, that is going to save lives. Let’s spread the word."

Speaking to Embarrassing Bodies presenter, GP Dr Tosin Ajayi-Sotubo, Dame Deborah recalled her experience with being diagnosed with bowel cancer. "I had this image of bowel cancer as an old man’s disease, which I now know is absolutely not the case," she said.

"Actually, unfortunately, I’ve met so many young people. It’s one of the largest rising cancers under 50. It was quite shocking actually. I think it was the last