Jamie Theakston reveals he has throat cancer: “The prognosis is very positive”

17 September, 2024

Jamie Theakston

TV and radio presenter Jamie Theakston has announced he has been diagnosed with throat cancer.

In a statement, the 53-year-old, who is the co-host of Heart Radio’s breakfast show, said he’d been diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer.

“Hi folks, 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.” He continued: “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.

“Until then, I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK (Jason King) and Amanda (Holden). Big thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive,” he added.

“Be thankful for this day, and when I next see you, I’ve got a great story to tell … Jamie x.”

Theakston’s co-host Holden told listeners today (September 17): “Now, even though it’s been identified as cancer, it is not all bad news.”

While her current co-host JK, added: “The prognosis is very positive, and Jamie has an amazing team who are going to get this sorted. He’s going to be okay. He’s hoping to be back with us very soon.”

Holden said Theakston asked them to “Hold the fort, and he has told us that the show must go on, and absolutely, that’s what we are going to do.

“We are going to do him proud, him and Sophie [his wife] and the boys, they’re listening at home, and I know that after this announcement, all of you listening as well are going to be sending your best wishes to our king.

“Our lovely Jamie, who is going to be better and back with us very soon.”

Theakston got his break in the ‘90’s as a presenter on BBC shows including The Ozone, Live & Kicking – which he presented alongside Zoe Ball – and Top of the Pops. He also fronted the quiz show A Question of Pop and Channel 4’s The Priory, which he delivered once again with Ball.

In the early ‘00s, he also presented reality show The Games on Channel 4 and in 2009, worked again for Channel 4 on the series, Britain’s Best Brain with Ball again.

Theakston has been a co-host of Heart Radio’s breakfast show since 2005 alongside co-hosts who have included Harriet Scott, Emma Bunton and Amanda Holden.

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