BBC newsreader Jane Hill has revealed she has undergone treatment for breast cancer as she returned to work after six months off screen.
The journalist had kept news of her diagnosis private and explained her absence after anchoring Wednesday’s BBC News at One.
Ahead on her appearance, Jane joked about Brexit and how security had voided building pass during her time away.
Posting on Twitter, she said: “Big day today. On air for the first time since November. Still… 6 months out of the newsroom… that’s been plenty of time to sort #Brexit, right…?
“Oh, and in true #W1A style, my pass had been cancelled and I couldn’t get into the building #welcomeback.”
After receiving an outpouring of support, Jane later told viewers of her diagnosis.
She tweeted: “Overwhelmed by so many lovely back-to-work messages. I just want to say that my return wouldn’t have been possible without our NHS.
“Sending love & thanks to the numerous @NHSuk staff who spotted my breast cancer, treated it, and continue to look after me. Thank you all.”
One of the BBC’s most recognisable newsreaders, Jane began working with the broadcaster in 1986 and has appeared in a range of news and current affairs programmes.
She has been presenting the lunch-time news since 2003.
Her colleague George Alagiah returned to work in January, a year after being told his cancer had returned.
The journalist was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014, and said the disease is now “in a holding pattern”.