Yahoo News BBC Midlands Today legend Nick Owen breaks down in tears after 'heartbreaking' message
BBC television icon Nick Owen couldn't hold back tears live on air in a powerful display of emotion amid his ongoing cancer fight. The 76-year-old has been a familiar face for audiences over five decades.
Here in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire he is best known for presenting BBC Midlands Today for 25 years. He is also known for his stint on 'Good Morning Britain with Anne and Nick' of the mid-90s.
Honoured with an MBE in this year's Kings Birthday Honour's List, Nick shared last year that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had received surgery.
Hundreds of congratulatory messages were posted on social media after the news was announced, with some of them read out on Monday evening’s episode of his show.
While presenting on BBC's Midlands Today, a programme he has hosted since 1997, the veteran broadcaster was visibly moved to tears, particularly after spotting a message from his son Tim. The message simply stated: "Very proud of you Dad."
This led a visibly touched Nick to stop for a moment, before tenderly touching his face and warmly saying: "My Tim. Oh, bless you."
The emotional segment featured news presenter Ben Godfrey who was recounting the well-wishers' messages displayed on screen, including that poignant note from 'Timothy Owen'.
Nick, father to four children Andy, Chris, Jenny, and Tim, from his previous marriage to Jill Lavery, regained his composure, expressing heartfelt gratitude: "I do want to thank everyone who's been in touch and so supportive.
"I'm so grateful that people have responded to the message in the first place about prostate cancer because that's such an important thing. People are talking about it far more now. Not just because of me, but various people have been in the same situation."
Last year, Nick underwent treatment for his prostate cancer and speaking out about his experience led to a significant increase in individuals getting tested for the condition.
One viewer expressed their gratitude, saying: "I got tested myself after his illness and was diagnosed late last year with prostate cancer. So far, it looks like early detection has paid off."
Nick previously said finding out he had cancer was ‘one of the worst’ days of his life.
He temporarily stepped away from the studio to focus on his health and get treatment, eventually returning to his show in September. At the time the presenter feeling ‘pretty good’ following a ‘turbulent’ few months.
