Geordie Shore star Nathan Henry fought back tears as he reflected on his father’s terminal cancer diagnosis — and on the raw journey the pair have already shared publicly in their MTV documentary.
The reality star, 34, teamed up with his father Glen to create Geordie Stories: Nathan & Dad, a four-part emotional series that has already aired, offering viewers a devastatingly honest look at their bond amid the harsh reality of terminal illness.
The documentary followed Nathan and Glen as they travelled to Jamaica, Glen’s birthplace, reconnecting with family roots and confronting personal histories.
The programme earned praise for its unprecedented portrayal of vulnerability, masculinity, heritage, and LGBTQ+ acceptance within Caribbean culture — themes rarely explored so openly on mainstream television.
Speaking after the series aired, Nathan admitted that filming almost stopped altogether when he witnessed his father cry on camera for the first time.
“When my dad cried, that’s when I questioned whether we should continue. He’s never done TV before, and seeing him break down… I thought: Am I doing the right thing?” Nathan shared.
But Glen’s response was resolute.
“He told me no — he wanted to keep going. He wanted to help people. And once he said that, there was no turning back.”
Throughout the documentary and in follow-up interviews, Nathan confessed he learned more about his father’s past than ever before — including the challenges of moving from Jamaica to England at 13, and the sacrifices Glen made to build a life for his family.
He revealed heartbreakingly:
“Before filming, I never imagined what his life was before he married my mum. I had no idea. Seeing where he lived, meeting family… it changed how I see him. Beneath that tough exterior, he’s the most loving and caring man.”
Glen, in turn, reflected on watching his son grow up, acknowledging Nathan has changed “completely” — and for the better.
The film also highlighted their shared frustrations at the healthcare delays Glen faced, with the family waiting four months between diagnosis and treatment. Glen expressed a clear message:
“Once you’re diagnosed, push for answers. Four months is too long — anything can happen in that time.”
Nathan echoed his father’s motivation for sharing their story:
“People sugarcoat cancer. They don’t show the real parts — the waiting, the fear, the confusion. There’s no handbook for this. So we showed our truth, hoping it helps someone else.”
The series was also a moment for Glen to speak directly to others battling cancer:
“Make sure you ask questions. Demand clarity. Don’t let the system leave you waiting.”
The documentary has since taken on deeper meaning, as Nathan continues to update fans — revealing how unpredictable and exhausting the journey has become and how limited time may be. Yet he remains committed to fighting alongside his father.
If you’ve been impacted by this story, support is available via Macmillan’s Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit
