BBC radio DJ Mark Radcliffe diagnosed with cancer

Presenter of shows on Radio 2 and 6 Music to take a break from work after diagnosis

The DJ Mark Radcliffe has said he will take a break from work after being diagnosed with cancer.

The BBC radio host, who presents shows on Radio 2 and 6 Music, broke the news to listeners during the Folk Show on Wednesday evening.

Radcliffe, 60, said the cancer, which has affected his tongue and lymph nodes, had been caught early and he hoped to return to work in the new year. “I will be back – you can depend on it – I just can’t say exactly when that will be,” he said.

Radcliffe also shared the news with his Twitter followers.

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.

— The Mark Radcliffe (@themarkrad) October 3, 2018

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?

— The Mark Radcliffe (@themarkrad) October 3, 2018

Messages of support came from colleagues at the BBC including Stuart Maconie, who co-hosts a 6 Music show with him, and the Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine.

Morning all. 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)

— Stuart Maconie (@StuartMaconie) October 4, 2018

Great DJ, great voice, great guy, and a love of music that has informed me for years. Wishing my colleague Mark Radcliffe all the best — can't wait to see you back in the building. @themarkrad @BBCRadio2 @BBC6Music https://t.co/k4QSph8w1o

— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) October 4, 2018

Marc Riley, who previously co-hosted Radio 1’s breakfast show with Radcliffe as one half of the duo Mark and Lard, said: “Awful news about my ex-partner in crime, but I had a back and forth with Mark last night and he’s in a good frame of mind and rightfully confident that he’ll get through this horrible time and be back doing what he does best before you know it.”

Simon Mayo, who presents the Drivetime show on Radio 2, added: “Hey get well soon Mark! Look forward to your full recovery. And happy Christmas to you too.”

The comedian David Baddiel, the musician Edwyn Collins and the Game of Thrones actor John Bradley also sent their best wishes.

Radcliffe, from Bolton, landed his first job at the BBC in 1983 and went on to present shows on 5 Live and Radio 1.

The award-winning presenter moved to Radio 2 in 2004, where he remains best known as the host of the Folk Show.

A spokesperson for Radio 2 and 6 Music said: “Everyone at Radio 2 and 6 Music wishes Mark well and we look forward to welcoming him back when he’s ready.”

The Scottish singer-songwriter Ricky Ross will present the Folk Show while Radcliffe is absent.

Amy Gibbons

The GuardianTramp

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