Desert Island Discs presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed that she is in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.
In a post on InstagramThe 46-year-old presenter said the disease was diagnosed early and she was expected to make a full recovery.
She posted on Wednesday morning: “Okay, some personal news… I was recently diagnosed with cancer. It was (thank goodness) discovered early and unexpectedly during a screening test and I am expected to make a full recovery.”
In a caption accompanying a photo of herself sitting in a hospital bed, Laverne told her 250,000 followers: “I’m in the hospital right now.”
She thanked the doctors and nurses at the unnamed hospital who, she said, “got me here with incredible skill and kindness.”
Laverne said her family and friends were “absolutely extraordinary every step of the way.”
She also thanked BBC 6 Music, where she presents a morning programme, and her colleagues at Desert Island Discs “for giving me the time off I need to get better”.
She urged followers who are concerned about possible signs of cancer not to wait too long to get tested.
She said: “I also want to say that if you’re avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get tested, please do it today. Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, it’s important to find out as soon as possible.”
Laverne concluded her message by saying, “Normally it’s my job to bring the good vibes to the radio, but anyone you have left is more than welcome here. Sending lots of love to anyone who is in a similar boat, or who made it back to shore. Xxx.”
Sports reporter Gabby Logan posted the message: “Sending you all lots of love and positive healing Lauren,” and actress Vicky McClure said: “Sending you love and speedy healing xx.”
Laverne’s BBC colleagues Clara Amfo and Dermot O’Leary, actor Richard E. Grant and former Match of the Day presenter Ian Wright all posted heart emojis.
Feminist writer Caitlin Moran wrote: “Loz, we know you’ll be a queen through it all, just like you’re a queen through everything. But I do want to kick cancer in the balls. I LOVE YOU FOREVER xxxx.”
Laverne began replacing Kirsty Young as presenter of Desert Island Discs on Radio 4 in 2018, after Young was forced to step down due to health problems.
She later took over the role permanently and over the years she interviewed Cate Blanchett, Stanley Tucci and Young, among others.
She rose to fame as the lead singer of the 1990s pop-punk band Kenickie.
After news of Laverne’s diagnosis was announced on her morning show, Deb Grant, the presenter who stood by her, said: “I just wanted to say on behalf of everyone here at 6 Music that we are thinking of you, we hope you are back with us very soon… we love you, Lauren.”
Grant then played the song We Can Work It Out, which he described as one of Laverne’s favorites.