John Newman says suffering from a brain tumour has made him appreciate people around him more than ever.

The Brit Award-nominated singer is set to undergo surgery and radiotherapy to remove cancerous cells.

John Newman
John Newman (Yui Mok/PA)

He told the BBC: “You tell people you love them if you love them and you look at people properly and listen to them, because they might not be able to talk to you ever again.

“It makes me really appreciate them all more.”

Newman was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in 2012, but it was successfully removed. He has been monitored since, and said it had been caught much sooner this time.

The 26-year-old Love Me Again singer urged people not to feel scared to visit their doctors and raise concerns about their health.

“I want people to know it’s okay to go for tests,” he said.

After reports that the tumour had returned first appeared earlier this month, Newman posted a public statement reassuring fans that he will not stop making music.

He wrote: “This was going to come out at some point and it’s probably best it’s out in the open now.

“I have been monitored constantly since the first time I had the tumour removed. There was always a chance that it could return and it is unfortunate but it is something I am prepared to get through when the time is right, some point next year.

“The medical staff have been absolutely amazing and I know I am in the best of hands. Nothing will ever stop me from doing the job I love so much, nothing will ever stop me from making music.”

He added: “People shouldn’t worry about me, the prognosis is good and there are so many people in far more serious situations.”