Mark Radcliffe has announced he is taking some time off from presenting his BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music shows to receive treatment for throat cancer.
The veteran DJ, 60, told his listeners the news while presenting The Folk Show on Radio 2 on Wednesday evening. He also let his followers know on Twitter.
Now – here’s a thing – I’m sad to say that I’ve got some cancerous tongue and lymph node issues and so, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I’m going to be disappearing for a while. It’s all been caught very early and so everything should be fine.
— Mark Radcliffe (@themarkrad) October 3, 2018
All being well I’ll be back in action in the new year – or sooner if I feel well enough – but I will be back – you can depend on it – I just can’t say exactly when that will be.
So You won’t hear from me for a while now and therefore…well…..Merry Christmas I guess. Life eh?— Mark Radcliffe (@themarkrad) October 3, 2018
‘I will be back – you can depend on it’
“I’m sad to say that I’ve got some cancerous tongue and lymph node issues,” he said.
“As I’m sure you’ll understand, I’m going to be disappearing for a while. It’s all been caught very early and so everything should be fine.
“All being well I’ll be back in action in the new year – or sooner if I feel well enough – but I will be back – you can depend on it – I just can’t say exactly when that will be.
“So you won’t hear from me for a while now and therefore… well… Merry Christmas I guess. Life eh?”
Radcliffe’s final show will be his 6 Music show with Stuart Maconie at 1pm on Thursday, when they will be joined by Dutch singer-songwriter Amber Arcades.
Ricky Ross to take over on Radio 2
His Radio 2 show will be presented by musician and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Ricky Ross for the next few weeks.
A BBC spokesman said: “Everyone at Radio 2 and 6 Music wishes Mark well and we look forward to welcoming him back when he’s ready.”
And Radcliffe’s fellow presenters have also been quick to chime in and wish him well.
Simon Mayo said: “Hey get well soon Mark! Look forward to your full recovery. And happy Christmas to you too.”
Hey get well soon Mark! Look forward to your full recovery. And happy Christmas to you too.
— Simon Mayo 🇺🇦 (@simonmayo) October 3, 2018
And Lauren Laverne added: “Oh, mate. I’m so very sorry to hear this. Sending you and your family all the love in the world and wishing you the speediest of recoveries.”
https://twitter.com/laurenlaverne/status/1047742040539353088
Claudia Winkleman and Ken Bruce were also among those sending their thoughts.
Radcliffe has been a BBC radio regular since way back in 1983, when he started out presenting on Radio 1 and 5 Live, before shifting over to Radio 2 in 2004.
The Lancastrian used to share a show with Marc Riley – the former guitarist for the Fall. They had a brief sting hosting the breakfast show, before moving to an award-winning afternoon slot.