Trevor Nelson has returned to the BBC Radio 2 airwaves following surgery for a brain tumour, remarking that he felt like he was "hijacked" during a tough summer before the "ransom has been paid".
The 62-year-old presenter is making a phased return to broadcasting after what he called an "emotional and very difficult" period of recovery.
Opening his afternoon broadcast on Monday, he told listeners that the influx of support he received had been "overwhelming" and was crucial in helping him navigate his "darkest moments".
Welcoming his audience, he said: "I’ve missed sitting in this seat, I’ve missed being in this studio – being on the eighth floor of BBC Broadcasting House, being on the best radio station in the world, and missed you most of all. Boy, have I missed you guys!"
He introduced John Sebastian’s “Welcome Back” as an appropriate track for his return, following it with Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright”.
Nelson shared his joy at being back alongside fellow staff, describing the team as being "like a family".
He said: "I feel like I’ve been hijacked this summer. Someone’s paid the ransom at last, freed me, and freed me."
Reflecting on his recovery, he added: "It’s been an emotional and very difficult summer for me. But I’ve got through with a lot of help from close friends and family, my management, my wife Pri has been amazing and everybody close to me.
"It feels weird saying that people who I don’t know have helped me massively. All the listeners, all the love has been overwhelming and insane. In my darkest moments, it really did help me through.
"When you know people hear about you and want you back doing what they want you to do. It’s great and I feel so good."
The presenter also expressed disappointment that he was "gutted" to miss the upcoming Radio 2 in the Park festival taking place in Stirling this weekend.
Nelson took a hiatus in June to focus on "health issues". He subsequently confirmed in an August video message that his "world was turned upside down" after doctors discovered the tumour, leading to a month of "recuperating, resting and recovering".
Normally hosting weekdays from 2pm–4pm on Radio 2 and Sundays from 11am–1pm on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Nelson’s schedule will increase incrementally. He hosts two shows this week on Monday and Wednesday (September 9); three next week on Monday (September 14), Wednesday (16), and Friday (18); and four the week after on Monday (21), Tuesday (22), Thursday (24) and Friday (25), before resuming his full duties from Monday September 28.
His extensive career in broadcasting includes hosting roles for Kiss FM, Radio 1, Radio 2 and MTV.
Zoe Ball returns to radio with a brand new show: ‘Excitement levels are peaking’
Trevor Nelson reveals when he’ll return to BBC Radio 2 and 1Xtra shows
Miriam Margolyes addresses This Morning racism row after Andi Peters remarks
I’m A Celebrity announces new Canadian wilderness spin-off with a major format twist
Jodie Comer addresses ‘tricky’ fan response to Killing Eve finale
South Park uses Emmy win to troll Trump with award he’s always wanted
