BBC Radio London presenter Eddie Nestor has announced he is stepping away from his broadcasting duties to focus on cancer treatment.
The 62-year-old confirmed he has started chemotherapy.
Nestor, who has been with the station since 2002, shared the news on social media earlier this week.
He previously overcame Hodgkin's Lymphoma after a diagnosis in 2007, achieving remission in 2012.
“Greetings. You may have noticed I've been a little quieter than usual.
Well… this wasn't quite the June we'd planned,” Nestor wrote.
The presenter revealed he spent Father's Day and his birthday in hospital. “Life has a funny way of rewriting your diary.
I've been diagnosed with cancer,” he said.
Despite the disruption, Nestor expressed optimism about his medical care.
“The good news is that, thanks to an incredible medical team, I've now had my first chemotherapy treatment,” he wrote.
He emphasized the support of his family, including his wife Lisa, a fitness coach.
“We're thankful, we're hopeful and as a family, we're looking upward and forward,” Nestor added.
Nestor said his future broadcasting and online activities will depend on his physical capacity.
“I honestly don't know exactly what the next few months will look like,” he wrote.
He plans to prioritize his health while maintaining selective communication.
“I'll work when I'm able, post when I feel like it and spend the rest of the time concentrating on getting stronger,” Nestor said.
He underlined his family as his primary source of strength. “There is one thing I do know.
The greatest source of strength in my life is my family,” he wrote.
Nestor requested positive reinforcement rather than pity. “Please don't feel sorry for me.
I'd much rather have your prayers, your encouragement and the occasional laugh,” he said.
He thanked BBC colleagues and well-wishers. “Thank you to everyone at the BBC for all your love and support,” Nestor wrote.
BBC Radio London management confirmed his leave of absence.
“Our friend and colleague Eddie Nestor has announced that he will be away from Radio London for a period of time while he receives treatment for cancer,” the station said.
Station Editor Sara David added, “Everyone at BBC Radio London, along with his loyal listeners, is sending Eddie and his family our support and best wishes.”
Presenter Shay Kaur Grewal addressed the diagnosis on air with Nestor's permission. “This next part of the show, it's not an easy one for me,” she said.
Grewal noted the station's close-knit culture.
“We are very much a family, and this particular news is about one of our much loved colleagues and a personal dear friend of mine,” she said.
Nestor, appointed an MBE in 2018 for services to radio and charity, is also known for acting roles in Casualty, Death in Paradise, Desmond's, and The Real McCoy.
His timeslot is currently filled by Jim Davis and other colleagues.
