British TV Presenter Jamie Theakston Reveals Stage 1 Throat Cancer Diagnosis

Jamie Theakston attends the Love Island final viewing party hosted by Capital for Global’s Make Some Noise charity in London on Nov. 20, 2018. Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

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 prognosis is very positive,” he assured fans in an Instagram post published on Sept. 16. “I’m hoping to be back with you in October.”

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.”

“If anyone can get through this it’s you,” wrote television presenter Siân Welby. “Sending all the positive vibes your way.”

‘The Show Must Go On’

Holden and King discussed Theakston’s health announcement during a recent “Heart Breakfast“ episode, emphasizing that he is eager to return to the program ”very soon.”

“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.”

Holden agreed, adding, “He has told us that we’ve got to hold the fort, and he has told us that the show must go on.”

Laryngeal Cancer

Theakston initially disclosed that he was facing health challenges on Sept. 1.

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.

“A few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks—I’ve got you to thank,” he wrote.

“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.”

According to the UK’s National Health Service, hoarseness or other voice changes that persist longer than three weeks are early indicators of laryngeal cancer. Other symptoms may include pain or difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing or sore throat, and a lump or swelling of the neck.

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.