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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Deborah James says being a broadcaster meant she had to 'carry on' after Rachael Bland's death

BBC podcaster Deborah James said she had to 'carry on' after her co-star Rachael Bland's tragic death in 2018, due to bowel cancer.

Deborah, 40, had to mourn the death of her best pal and co-host Rachael four years ago - something she spoke about on their podcast - Me, You & The Big C.

Now, Deborah - who is also battling the same illness - has revealed to her Instagram fans she doesn't know how long she has left to live and is currently in a hospice at home care surrounded by her family.

The host admitted that 'nobody knew how long she had left' on Monday night, as she made the revelation in a heartbreaking post.

Rachael Bland, Lauren Mahon and Deborah James (BBC/Claire Wood)

In an episode that aired shortly after her late pal's death in 2018, the presenter opened up about the moment Rachael died and how her job as a broadcaster meant she had to 'carry on', despite the circumstances.

Rachael originally created the BBC Sounds podcast and invited Deborah and Lauren to join her - with her husband Steve replacing her spot after her death.

Deborah began: "The role of broadcasters is that we just carry on talking.

"So when awful things happen, we carry on talking - and it's really hard.

"I think all three of us, we did that. As soon as Rachael died, we all went on air and carried on talking, but it doesn't make it any easier."

The presenter says she doesn't know how long she has left (ITV)

She said: "The things we've done as a result of it, it's utterly bittersweet."

Lauren added: "We're all so elated that this idea that Rachael had and what she wanted it to be, has surpassed it.

"We're like over the moon about that, but it's bittersweet because she's not here."

Deborah agreed, adding: "A massive thank you to Rach. Me and Loz are sitting her because of Rach.

"We are very, very grateful, not only to the team and our lovely producers, but the fact Rach gave us a chance - and we wouldn't be sitting here now if it wasn't for her."

Steve concluded: "We [Steve and Rachael] were looking at people that she wanted and their Instagram and things, and you two were the first two that she wanted."

Rachael tragically died in 2018 (PA)

Joking, Lauren said: "VIPs baby!"

Deborah was hit with devastating news yesterday as she revealed it's not easy to accept and to say goodbye.

The brave star penned: "The tweet I never wanted to write. The time has come to say goodbye.

"It has been 5 years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easy."

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