Amanda Holden, 53, has issued a defiant message in support of her Heart Radio co-star Jamie Theakston, 53, after he decided to publicly share his cancer diagnosis.
In a statement published to social media on Tuesday, Theakston confirmed that following an operation on his vocal cords, doctors found signs of Stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
The radio host has now been ordered to take time away from presenting duties on his Heart Breakfast show that he usually fronts with Holden.
With Theakston out of action on the airwaves, Holden addressed her co-host’s diagnosis while on-air during Tuesday’s show with stand-in presenter Jason King, also known as JK.
Holden told listeners: “You know that we share everything with you on this show. The ups and the downs. So it feels only right that we get you completely up to speed with what’s going on.
“As you might have seen on Jamie’s socials, he recently had an operation to remove a lesion from his vocal cords and we wanted to let you know that this biopsy has actually been identified as Stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“Now even though it’s been identified as cancer, it is not all bad news.”
Co-host JK chipped in: “No. 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 and you know what Jamie’s like as well, Jamie’s been on this show for 20 years…”
Sending positive thoughts, JK continued: “He’s done this show for a long time. This is a show is all about feel-good, it’s all about having a good time. It’s making sure that you go to work or whatever you’re doing with a smile and he does not want that to change.”
Holden signed off by sharing some words of encouragement from Theakston himself: “No, he has told us that we’ve got to hold the fort and he has told us that the show must go on and absolutely that is what we’re going to do, we’re going to do him proud.
“Him and Sophie (Siegle) [Theakston’s 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.”
Heart listeners rushed to send their well wishes after the radio station shared Holden and JK’s on-air announcement on its Instagram page.
The duo decided to share the message with listeners after Theakston penned to his 74.4k Instagram followers: “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.”
Trying to remain upbeat, Theakston went on: “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.
“Huge thanks to them and all the Global Family who have been unbelievably supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell… Jamie x.”(sic)
Several celebs reacted to the news, including Jamie Oliver, Oti Mabuse, Leigh Francis and many more as they wished the presenter a speedy and full recovery.
