Lauren Laverne, the presenter of Desert Island Discs, has revealed she is in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.
In a post on Instagram, the 46-year-old broadcaster said the disease had been diagnosed early and she was expected to fully recover.
She posted on Wednesday morning: “Right then, some personal news … I recently had a cancer diagnosis. It was (thank God) caught early and unexpectedly during a screening test and I am expected to make a full recovery.”
In a caption to a photograph of her sitting in a hospital bed Laverne told her 250,000 followers: “I’m in hospital at the moment.”
She thanked doctors and nurses at the unnamed hospital who she said “have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness”.
Laverne said her family and friends had been “absolutely extraordinary every step of the way”.
She also thanked BBC 6 Music, where she presents a breakfast show, and colleagues at Desert Island Discs “for giving me the time off that I need to get better”.
She urged any followers who had concerns about possible signs of cancer not to delay getting tested.
She said: “I also want to say that if you’re avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get yourself checked out please, please do it today. Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything.”
Laverne ended her post saying: “It’s usually my job to bring the good vibes on air but any you have to spare are very much welcome here. Sending loads of love to anyone in a similar boat, or who has made it back to shore. Xxx.”
The sports broadcaster Gabby Logan posted “sending you all the love and positive healing Lauren”, and the actor Vicky McClure said “send love and speedy healing xx”.
Laverne’s fellow BBC broadcasters Clara Amfo and Dermot O’Leary, the actor Richard E Grant and the former Match of the Day presenter Ian Wright all posted heart emojis.
The feminist writer Caitlin Moran wrote: “Loz, we know you’re going to be a queen through this like you are a queen through everything. But I do want to boot cancer in the nuts. LOVE YOU FOREVER xxxx.”
Laverne began filling in for Kirsty Young as the Desert Island Discs host on Radio 4 in 2018 after Young had to step away because of health issues.
She later permanently took over the role and has interviewed the likes of Cate Blanchett and Stanley Tucci, as well as Young, over the years.
She rose to fame as the lead singer of the 90s pop punk bank Kenickie.
After the news of Laverne’s diagnosis was announced on her breakfast show, Deb Grant, the presenter sitting in for her, said: “I just wanted to say on behalf of everyone here at 6 Music we’re thinking of you, we hope you’ll be back with us very soon … We love you Lauren.”
Grant then played the track We Can Work It Out, saying it was one of Laverne’s favourites.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Everyone at 6 Music, Radio 4 and The One Show sends Lauren our very best wishes and we look forward to welcoming her back to work when she’s ready.”
