BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris issued 'frightening news' as he shares severe cancer update

Lauren Williams
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:42:19 +0000

BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris has disclosed that his prostate cancer, first diagnosed in 2007, has now spread to his upper spine.

The 80-year-old broadcaster, affectionately known as "Whispering Bob," shared the update with followers on Instagram on Thursday.

Mr Harris had been hospitalised earlier this month after suffering severe back pain.

Following multiple scans, doctors discovered the cancer had metastasised.

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"Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine...really frightening news," the veteran DJ wrote alongside a photograph showing him walking with a stick.

The presenter, who has been broadcasting on the BBC for five decades, described recent weeks as "an extremely testing time" as medical teams worked to identify the cause of what he called "excruciating pain."

Mr Harris immediately commenced radiotherapy treatment, spending a fortnight in hospital to bring the disease back under control. He confirmed he has now returned home and is progressing well.

"Thankfully, I'm back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day," he told fans.

The broadcaster has begun a rehabilitation programme and managed to venture outdoors for the first time since his hospital stay.

His son accompanied him on the outing and captured the moment in a photograph showing Mr Harris smiling in the sunshine.

"I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son who took the photograph," Mr Harris wrote, sharing the image of himself using a walking stick in what appeared to be a garden setting.

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A post shared by Bob Harris OBE (@whisperingbob)

Mr Harris expressed profound gratitude to those who have supported him through what he described as one of the most challenging periods of his life.

"My family has been here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life.

"I can't even begin to think of a way to say thank you. I love them so much," he wrote.

The presenter also paid tribute to his colleagues at BBC Radio 2, singling out Helen Thomas, the station's head, for particular praise.

"Helen Thomas and the BBC Radio 2 family have also been supportive beyond words," Harris said, adding that he was certain he would return to his programmes as soon as he was able.

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Mr Harris has established personal goals for his return to the airwaves, aiming to be back presenting The Country Show by mid-May and Sounds of the 70s by the end of that month.

The broadcaster acknowledged the work of those covering his programmes during his absence.

"I know that my friends Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny have been doing a fabulous job... but I absolutely cannot wait to be back," he said.

Mr Keaveny, who has been standing in on Sounds of the 70s, responded to Harris's update by expressing his eagerness to see the veteran presenter return.

"We can't wait to get you back. Only when you're fully rested of course," he wrote.

Mr Harris also thanked Zoe Ball and listeners who had sent messages following conversations recorded for his 80th birthday programme.