Mark Radcliffe is to take time off from his BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music shows after being diagnosed with cancer.
He told listeners last night that he hoped to return to broadcasting in the New Year. The 60-year-old would, however, present today’s 6 Music show with co-host Stuart Maconie.
“Now – here’s a thing – I’m sad to say that I’ve got some cancerous tongue and lymph node issues and so, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I’m going to be disappearing for a while. It’s all been caught very early and so everything should be fine,” he stated on Twitter.
“All being well I’ll be back in action in the new year – or sooner if I feel well enough – but I will be back – you can depend on it – I just can’t say exactly when that will be. So You won’t hear from me for a while now and therefore…well…..Merry Christmas I guess. Life eh?”
A BBC Radio spokesman said:
“Everyone at Radio 2 and 6 Music wishes Mark well and we look forward to welcoming him back when he’s ready.”
Best wishes were also sent by fellow broadcasters including Simon Mayo, Ken Bruce and Claudia Winkleman.
Stuart Maconie wrote on Twitter this morning:
“Mark’s going to come back better than ever for our new gig and folk show. Love to him and family from all RadMac team. PS (expect more disco, Gentle Giant and free jazz for a while x).”
Radcliffe started at the BBC in 1983, presenting shows on 5 Live, Radio 1 and more recently Radio 2 and 6 Music. His weekday afternoon show on 6 Music with Stuart Maconie is set to move to the weekends from the New Year.
