British TV Presenter Jamie Theakston Reveals Stage 1 Throat Cancer Diagnosis

British television presenter Jamie Theakston has taken a leave of absence from his post as co-host of the Heart radio network’s “Heart Breakfast” program after being diagnosed with Stage 1 laryngeal cancer—one of the most common types of throat cancer.
However, Theakston, 53, says he doesn’t expect to be off the air for very long.
The former BBC host—who shares two sons, Sidney, 16, and Kit, 14, with his wife, jewelry designer Sophie Theakston—said he’s been ordered to give his voice a rest.
In the meantime, the radio personality said he was entrusting his co-host, Amanda Holden, 53, and his temporary fill-in, 49-year-old presenter Jason King, with the “Heart Breakfast” audience.
“Huge thanks to them and all the Global Family who have been unbelievably supportive,” Theakston wrote. “Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
Theakston garnered an outpouring of support online from his followers, colleagues, and other members of the broadcasting community.
“So sorry to hear this Jamie, wish you all the best with your treatment,” wrote British broadcaster Piers Morgan.
“Sending lots of love Jamie,” commented television host Lisa Snowdon.
Fellow Heart radio presenter Pandora Christie expressed a similar sentiment, writing: “You will beat this !!!!! Sending you loads and loads of love.”
“We share everything with you on the show—the ups and the downs. So it feels only right that we get you completely up to speed with what’s going on,” Holden said. “Even though it’s been identified as cancer it is not all bad news.”
King also reassured listeners that Theakston was on the mend, noting that he was receiving care from an exceptional medical team.
“He’s going to be okay,” King said.
“Jamie’s been on this show for 20 years, right? He’s done this show for a long time. This show is all about [feeling] good. It’s all about having a good time.
“It’s making sure that you go to work or whatever you’re doing in the morning—going there with a smile, and he does not want that to change.”
In an Instagram post, the television presenter revealed that he had just undergone surgery to remove a lesion from his vocal cords, crediting the “Heart Breakfast” audience for saving his life.
“Got it checked—Doctors found a lesion on my vocal cords which I’ve had removed this weekend—thanks for all the kind messages. Should be back on my feet soon.”
Early detection of laryngeal cancer significantly increases the survival rate, which ranges from approximately 80 percent to 90 percent for those who are diagnosed at stage 1 or stage 2.