BEING diagnosed with breast cancer hasn’t held Shelley mother Siobhan Greene back.

The diagnosis came out of the blue for Siobhan, then aged 41, but it’s not stopped her and she’s about to launch what is likely to be one of the world’s biggest TV programmes – X Factor in America.

The associate producer found herself in the spotlight a few weeks back when Simon Cowell got her up on stage to receive the National Television Award when the X Factor won best talent show.

Watching back home in Huddersfield were her parents, Paddy and Yvette, and siblings Sheena, Sarah and Sean.

On stage Simon told millions of viewers watching that Siobhan’s diagnosis “totally rocked our world and it was the worst thing.

“But what’s most impressive of all was that while she was having this terrible treatment she was in the edit suite working away and making my life miserable.”

Siobhan took her moment in front of the cameras in her stride and returned to work the next day – as she has done every day since she was diagnosed with breast cancer back in July.

Speaking exclusively to the Examiner, Siobhan said: “I thought it was a lovely and wonderful thing for Simon to do. It’s always nice to be appreciated but it was a bit of a shock. It was a bit of an out-of-body experience.

“I didn’t mind he told everyone about my cancer. Most people already knew – and some who didn’t have got in touch.”

Siobhan works for Syco, a trading name for Simco Ltd which is the London-based entertainment company established in 2002 by Simon Cowell.

It was back in July that Siobhan discovered a lump on her breast. Her doctor knew immediately it was cancer and tests quickly confirmed it. She underwent chemotherapy and is now going through radiotherapy.

“I have radiotherapy in the morning then go into work,” Siobhan said. “I’d never tell anyone how to act when they’re diagnosed with cancer. Everybody needs to do what feels right for them.

“For me it was important to get back to work.

“I read somewhere after being diagnosed with cancer that being afraid is a priceless experience. When faced with your own mortality, you start appreciating life more.

“I was mindful of what I was going through and I needed to respect myself, but I wanted to live as well and work allowed me to be normal.”

To the outside world, Siobhan’s work alongside Simon Cowell is a long way away from life back in Huddersfield and the place she still calls home. To her it’s a job she loves.

Siobhan is a former All Saints High School pupil. She is married to Nigel Hall, also an associate producer for Syco, and has two sons who both support Huddersfield Town.

She started her career at Yorkshire Television, moved to Granada in Manchester and then in 2003 made the move from Shelley to London where she’s worked on shows including the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

Her next step is the X Factor US with details still a closely-guarded secret.

Siobhan remained tight-lipped on the much-debated judging panel for the American version of the hit-TV show, but she added: “It’s an exciting time and I’m glad to be part of it.”

l For more information about breast cancer, including diagnosis, treatment and support, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk