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BBC presenter Lauren Laverne reveals she has cancer

21 August 2024, 06:49 | Updated: 21 August 2024, 10:35

BBC presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer.

The star, 46, who presents Desert Island Discs on Radio 4 and has been a regular DJ on BBC channels for many years, thanked her doctors and family as she explained what had happened in a post on Instagram.

Sharing the news while in hospital, she wrote: "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.

"I'm in hospital at the moment and wanted to take this moment to say thank you: Firstly to medical teams who have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness.

"To my family and friends who have been absolutely extraordinary every step of the way - I am so very grateful and love you so much."

She also thanked colleagues "for their support and for giving me the time off that I need to get better".

'Finding out asap is everything'

Laverne told her 250,000 followers she wanted to encourage others to keep on top of tests and medical appointments.

"If you're avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get yourself checked out please, please do it today," she wrote. "Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything."

The presenter finished her post by 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."

She did not give details of what type of cancer she is being treated for.

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Laverne is one of the BBC's highest-paid stars, host of Radio 6 Music's breakfast show and Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, after taking over the famous slot from Kirsty Young in 2018. She is also one of the presenters for the broadcaster's coverage of the Glastonbury festival.

She is best know for her TV and radio presenting but rose to fame first as a musician, as lead singer for pop-punk band Kenickie in the 1990s, and earlier this year hosted the Ivor Novello Awards.

Stars including actor Richard E Grant, actress Vicky McClure and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor are among those who have shared messages of support, with Ellis-Bextor writing on Laverne's post: "Lots of love to you, lauren. Here's to a speedy recovery."