BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris has revealed he is currently in hospital receiving treatment connected to his ongoing prostate cancer diagnosis.
The 79-year-old broadcaster, affectionately known as “Whispering Bob,” shared the news with followers via Instagram on Thursday, posting a photograph of himself smiling from his hospital bed.
Mr Harris explained that a health matter had been developing over several weeks, necessitating medical attention.
“As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments,” he wrote.
Bob Harris has been a familar voice on BBC Radio 2 for decades
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The veteran DJ was first diagnosed with the disease in 2007 and continues to manage the condition with ongoing treatment.
Though unable to specify precisely when he will resume his duties, Mr Harris expressed unwavering determination about his comeback.
“I know that I will come back… and come back stronger,” he stated. “I hate missing programmes and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can.”
The presenter added that the BBC Radio 2 team has been providing support throughout what he described as a challenging period.
Mr Harris expressed profound gratitude towards those who have supported him through what he described as “an unexpectedly testing time.”
He specifically thanked his family, friends, and his manager Nick Canham at Clare Clients for rallying around him during this difficult period.
“Thank you with all my heart to them and to all my listeners whose words and messages here mean so much. Sending you all my fondest love,” he wrote. “I will be back.”
Despite his hospitalisation, Mr Harris confirmed that this week’s edition of Bob Harris Country will broadcast as scheduled.
Bob Harris (pictured in 2012) was first diagnosed with the illness in 2007
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Additionally, his Sounds of the 70’s programme airing on April 12 will feature a special episode marking his 80th birthday, which he pre-recorded prior to attending the C2C Festival alongside his close friend and colleague Zoe Ball.
Several of Mr Harris’s fans reacted to the announcement with their well-wishes. Fellow BBC colleague Owain Wyn Evans commented: “Get well soon Bob sending you so much Welsh love.”
Meanwhile, a fan penned: “You are so loved by your ‘listener family’ Bob. We just adore you and hope you recover magnificently. Look after yourself and take all the time you need. We’ll be waiting right here, when you’re ready.”
“Sending lots of love and wishing you speedy recovery,” another weighed in. “I look forward to Thursday nights for the Country Show so hoping you be back soon.”
Bob Harris has vowed he will return to the airwaves soon
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BBC
Meanwhile, a third follower penned: “Sending love Bob! Hope it’s not too painful, rest, will miss (are missing) your beautiful voice!”
And another similarly typed: “Wishing you a speedy recovery Bob. Very much looking forward to hearing you back on air soon.”
The broadcaster, who turns 80 on April 11, has been presenting The Country Show on Thursday evenings since April 1999.
He took over the Sunday afternoon Sounds of the 70s slot in November 2024, stepping in after Johnnie Walker departed the programme due to illness following 15 years at the helm.
Bob Harris was awarded an OBE for his work
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During his absence from the airwaves, American country star Darius Rucker will step in as guest presenter for the Country programme, whilst fellow broadcaster Shaun Keaveny takes charge of Sounds of the 70’s for the coming weeks.
The broadcaster has been a fixture on BBC airwaves for more than five decades and was honoured with an OBE for services to broadcasting in 2011.
His condition, though requiring periodic intensive treatment, has been managed thanks to advances in medical technology since his 2007 diagnosis.