Jamie Theakston, co-host of Heart Breakfast, revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer. In a statement, the 53-year-old presenter said that he underwent an operation to remove a lesion from his vocal cords and that the prognosis was positive. He went on to say that the cancer was identified by a biopsy and that he hoped to return to the show in October. His colleagues, Amanda Holden and JK, have taken over his duties in his absence. Both expressed support for Theakston and wished him a speedy recovery.
Theakston first rose to fame in the 1990s as a presenter on BBC shows such as The Ozone and Live & Kicking. He also hosted Top of the Pops and quiz show A Question of Pop. In the 2000s, he presented reality show The Games on Channel 4 and reunited with Zoe Ball for Channel 4’s The Priory. In 2009, he teamed up with Ball again for the Channel 4 series Britain’s Best Brain. Theakston has been co-hosting Heart Radio’s breakfast show since 2005.
Heart Radio posted a supportive message for Theakston on Instagram, calling him “beloved”. Holden and JK have promised to keep the show going in his absence and say that they are holding the fort until he returns. Theakston himself has remained positive in the face of his diagnosis, saying that cancer “doesn’t have me”. His statement expressed gratitude to the show’s listeners, his colleagues, and his family.
Theakston’s announcement has drawn attention to laryngeal cancer, a relatively uncommon type of cancer that affects the voice box. Symptoms can include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent cough. Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The prognosis for laryngeal cancer is generally positive if detected and treated early, as in Theakston’s case
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