Jamie Theakston diagnosed with cancer
Heart Radio's Jamie Theakston has been diagnosed with cancer.
Jamie has been absent from his Heart Radio show with Britain's Got Talent star Amanda Holden for several weeks after struggling with his voice after radio listeners noticed key symptoms. Now, the star 53, has confirmed that after undergoing surgery, medical staff discovered a lesion which turned out to be cancer.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, he said: "As you know - I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal cords. The biopsy has identified this as stage 1 Laryngeal cancer. So - I have cancer - but cancer doesn't have me. The prognosis is very positive and I'm hoping to be back with you in October."
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"Until then I've been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda. Big thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive. Be thankful for this day, and when I next see you, I've got a great story to tell..." Jamie's colleague JK revealed that the prognosis was "very positive" and he would be back on the programme in due course.
Sharing the news with listeners, Amanda branded Jamie a "King" as she struggled to contain her emotions. "Even though it's been identified as cancer, it is not all bad news," Amanda said. JK added: "Jamie has an amazing team that are going to get this sorted. He's going to be OK, he's hoping to be back with us very soon," while continuing to state that Jamie has always been such a positive force for listeners in the mornings.
Amanda commented: "He's told us to hold the fort and that the show must go on." Listeners of the Heart Radio Breakfast Show soon flocked to social media to share their messages of support for Jamie. One wrote: "Sending all the best wishes from Spain, the medicine and experts are incredible currently, you have the power, Jamie."
"What a lovely family you all are at Heart and I'm sure Jamie will be feeling the love and positivity radiating out to him this morning!!" said a second. Meanwhile, a third typed: "Come on Jamie you have got this, wishing you to get well soon and hope you have a speedy recovery."
Earlier this month, Jamie announced on social media he would be taking extended time off from his presenting duties following surgery on his vocal cords. He said: "Sooo a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn't sounded right these past few weeks I've got you to thank... Got it checked Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I've had removed this weekend thanks for all the kind messages should be back on my feet soon in the meantime..." alongside a zipped-mouth emoji.
Jamie became a household name as the presenter of Top of the Pops between 1998 and 2003, introducing artists such as the Spice Girls and Oasis during their performances on the BBC show. However, he launched his career aged just 23 in the radio industry. The broadcaster was talent spotted by the former BBC head of sport who roped him in to present Greater London's Radio Saturday Sports Show.
But in 2002, Jamie left his role at Radio 1 to focus on a career in acting, having starred in the likes of Little Britain and Agatha Christie's Marple. He returned to his radio roots in 2005, replacing Jonathan Coleman on Heart Breakfast. Since then, Jamie has appeared on the station over the years, before the programme went national on June 3, 2019.