Bob Harris, best known as one of the biggest stars on BBC Radio 2, has given fans an update, confirming his cancer has spread.
The 80-year-old presenter stepped back from the airwaves, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007.
He’s now shared that the cancer has spread, moving to his upper spine and forcing him to use a walking stick.
‘I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time,’ he shared on Instagram.
‘When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back.
‘Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news.’
He revealed he had immediately begun a course of radiotherapy, meaning he was in hospital for two weeks to bring it ‘back under control’.
‘Thankfully, I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day,’ Bob added.
The former presenter started rehab ahead of his post, sharing a snap of him walking in the ‘glorious weather for the first time’, which was taken by his son.
‘My family has been here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life,’ he continued. ‘I can’t even begin to think of a way to say thank you. I love them so much.’
He gave a shout-out to his Radio 2 family, promising to be back on air as soon as possible, having set a recovery goal.
Bob revealed he was hoping he could be back in the studio by mid-May for The Country Show and then by end of May be on Sound of the 70’s again.
‘I know that my friends @dariusrucker and @shaunkeaveny_ have been doing a fabulous job… but I absolutely cannot wait to be back,’ he shared.
‘Thank you for all the messages you’ve sent via the conversations @zoetheball and I recorded for my 80th birthday programme. I had no idea then that I was about to relive the very experiences we talked about!
‘Just want to send so much love to Zoe and to everyone who have been in touch. See you soon folks! xxx.’
Bob previously withdrew from the airwaves in 2019 after tearing his aorta – known as an aortic dissection – in an ‘extremely serious’ health crisis.
It occurs when the inner layer of the aorta tears, enabling blood to surge through, which in turn causes the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate.
He said at the time it was an ‘incredibly scary moment’, with the ambulance crew rushing him to the ICU.
In January 2022, he joined Sounds of the 70s but took over as official host two years later when Jonnie Walker retired.
He has also worked across various other BBC radio shows, including 6 Music and The Old Grey Whistle Test, as well as Boom Radio.
Last year, Bob appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, but largely stays out of the spotlight except for his radio shows.
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