Heart Radio host Jamie Theakston reveals cancer diagnosis

Credit: PA

Heart Radio host Jamie Theakston revealed his cancer diagnosis in a post on Instagram on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old, who presents the Heart breakfast show on weekdays with Amanda Holden, said he will be taking a break from work while he recovers.

Theakston was recently encouraged to get his throat examined after his listeners noticed his voice sounded different on air.

He thanked them for urging him to get it checked in a health update on September 1.

"Hi folks, as you know - I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords. The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer," Theakston said on Instagram.

"So... I have cancer... but cancer doesn't have me! The prognosis is very positive and I'm hoping to be back with you in October.

Credit: Instagram

"Until then, I've been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK [Jason King] and Amanda [Holden]. Huge thanks to them and all the Global Family who have been unbelievably supportive.

"Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I'll have a great story to tell..."

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

Amanda Holden wished her colleague well in a post on Instagram.

"Our wonderful @jamie.theakston has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer. His prognosis is very good and he has an incredible team around him," she said.

Credit: Intagram

"Jamie. We love and miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon. With @sophietheakstonjewellery, your gorgeous boys, Us and the entire nation with you.. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS," she added.

Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer

The main symptom of laryngeal cancer is having a hoarse voice for more than three weeks, at which point you should see your GP, the NHS says. Other symptoms can include:

  • pain when swallowing

  • a lump or swelling in your neck

  • a long-lasting cough or breathlessness

  • a persistent sore throat or earache

  • a high-pitched wheezing noise when you breathe

  • in severe cases, difficulty breathing

Tune into the ITV News entertainment podcast, Unscripted…