Radio 2 presenter Mark Radcliffe has revealed he has cancer.
The 60-year-old told listeners of his Wednesday night ‘Folk Show’ that he would be taking time off while he is treated for “cancerous tongue and lymph node issues”.
The broadcaster said: “Now – here’s a thing – I’m sad to say that I’ve got some cancerous tongue and lymph node issues and so, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I’m going to be disappearing for a while to get that all sorted out.
“It’s all been caught very early and so everything should be fine.”
Mark, who is also a BBC Radio 6 Music presenter added: “All being well I’ll be back in action in the new year – or sooner if I feel well enough – but I will be back, you can depend on it. I just can’t say exactly when that will be.
“So you won’t hear from me for a while now and therefore… well… Merry Christmas I guess. Life eh?”
Ricky Ross will stand in for Mark on The Folk Show for the next few weeks.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Everyone at Radio 2 and 6 Music wishes Mark well and we look forward to welcoming him back when he’s ready.”
Mark’s fellow Radio 2 presenters sent their well wishes on Twitter after hearing the news.
Simon Mayo tweeted: “Hey get well soon Mark! Look forward to your full recovery.”
Ken Bruce added: “So sorry to hear this. Hope you’re back in action very soon.”