BBC Radio presenter Eddie Nestor has announced he is temporarily stepping away from his show after revealing a cancer diagnosis. The 62-year-old shared the news in a candid statement posted on social media, detailing how his health had unexpectedly altered his plans.
"Greetings. You may have noticed I’ve been a little quieter than usual. Well… this wasn’t quite the June we’d planned," Nestor wrote. He added: "I missed my own brunch and ended up spending Father’s Day and my birthday in hospital. Life has a funny way of rewriting your diary. I’ve been diagnosed with cancer."
The presenter offered a hopeful update, confirming: "The good news is that, thanks to an incredible medical team, I’ve now had my first chemotherapy treatment."
Nestor expressed gratitude and optimism, stating: "We’re thankful, we’re hopeful and as a family, we’re looking upward and forward." He acknowledged the uncertainty of the coming months, explaining: "I honestly don’t know exactly what the next few months will look like. I’ll work when I’m able, post when I feel like it and spend the rest of the time concentrating on getting stronger."
He highlighted his family as his "greatest source of strength" and urged followers not to "feel sorry" for him, preferring instead: "I’d much rather have your prayers, your love, your encouragement and the occasional laugh. That’s the fuel I need."
He concluded by thanking "everyone at the BBC for all your love and support" and those who "had already reached out," adding: "Each epic journey begins with a single step. Well, here’s another one."
BBC London confirmed the news in an Instagram post, stating: "Our friend and colleague Eddie Nestor has announced that he will be away from Radio London for a period of time while he receives treatment for cancer. Everyone at BBC London sends Eddie and his family our love and support."
Sara David, the station’s editor, echoed this sentiment, saying: "Everyone at BBC Radio London and all of his loyal listeners are sending Eddie and his family all our support and best wishes." It is understood that Nestor is not permanently stepping down, with Jim Davis and other Radio London voices covering his show.
Nestor, who received an MBE in 2018 for his charity work and services to radio, has been a fixture on BBC Radio London since 2002. He is also recognised for his acting roles in programmes such as Casualty and Death in Paradise. This is not his first battle with cancer; he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2007, documenting his treatment in a blog before announcing his remission in 2012.
