BBC Radio 5 Live are releasing a special episode of You, Me and the Big C, celebrating the life and legacy of former co-hosts Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James.
The award-winning podcast will be presented by Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland in front of a live audience at the Radio Theatre in London.
It will highlight the significance of the cancer community, and include conversations with friends of the podcast who have been affected in different ways by the disease including Deborah’s brother and sister, researcher and oncologist, Sacha Howell, cancer patient, Jay Mclaughlin, and Leanne Pero, who has recovered from the illness.
“It’s the first time we’ll be recording in front of a live audience – something we’ve wanted to do for the longest time,” said Lauren Mahon.
“It’ll be bittersweet that Deb isn’t with us to fulfil our dream but we hope we do both her and Rach proud. It’s our chance to properly honour our amazing podcast and celebrate the legacy of our amazing pals.”
To mark the release, BBC Radio 5 Live will broadcast a “day of hope” across its shows, with stories from cancer patients and family members.
Rachel Burden and Chris Warburton will kick off the breakfast show by discussing the legacy of the podcast hosts. They will be speaking to Rachael Bland’s mother, Gayna, along with the CEO of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell.
Nicky Campbell will follow up with a live phone-in where listeners of the podcast will share their own stories of hope during their cancer journeys.
Then Naga Munchetty’s show will broadcast live from Great Ormond Street Hospital and 5 Live Drive will be live from the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton where they will be looking at some of the new drugs, treatments and trials.
“The ‘You, Me & The Big C’ podcast team have been ground breaking in the way they changed the cancer debate, with frank, honest and often funny conversations,” explained Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We want to keep the conversation going and will be broadcasting a whole ‘day of hope’ on Radio 5 Live, talking to families and patients as well as experts and charities about promising new treatments and research.”
The podcast launched in 2018 with Lauren presenting alongside Radio 5 Live newsreader Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James. The podcast takes a candid look at cancer, discussing issues like telling your family and friends as well as practical matters, such as hair loss and tips for dealing with finances.
The special podcast will be available on BBC Sounds from Monday 30th January.
