BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris, 80, reveals his prostate cancer has spread to his spine in ‘frightening news’ as he says he has been in excruciating pain

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BBC legend Bob Harris has given a heartbreaking update on his cancer battle. 

The veteran radio personality, age 80, shared a photo on Instagram and revealed he’s been suffering from severe pain because his cancer has spread to his back.

The presenter shared an update with his 92,800 followers, explaining that he began radiotherapy immediately after discovering the spread of his condition. He spent two weeks in the hospital but is now recovering at home.

Bob Harris, the famous radio DJ nicknamed ‘Whispering’ Bob, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and continues to live with it.

He expressed his gratitude to the Radio 2 team, as well as his coworker Zoe Ball and the hosts who filled in for him, Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny.

He posted an update on Instagram, explaining that it had been a difficult few weeks and apologizing for the lack of recent posts. He shared a detailed message saying, ‘HEALTH UPDATE I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time…’

In my last update from the hospital, we were working to figure out the cause of the severe back pain I was experiencing. After a number of scans, we found out that my prostate cancer had spread to my upper spine – it was very scary news.

I started radiotherapy right away – a two-week stay in the hospital – to get things back on track. Luckily, I’m now home and recovering, and I’m feeling better and stronger each day.

I’ve begun physical therapy, and today I was finally able to enjoy the beautiful weather outside with my son, Miles Myerscough-Harris, who took this picture.

My family has been an incredible support system during a really tough time, and I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done. I don’t know how I would have gotten through it without them, and I love them dearly.

I’ve received incredible support from Helen Thomas and everyone at BBC Radio 2, and I’m determined to get back to my shows as soon as I’m well enough.

I’m aiming to have ‘Country’ finished by mid-May and ‘Sounds of the 70’s’ by the end of May. Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny have been doing a great job, and I’m really excited to get back to it myself.

I’m so grateful for all the wonderful messages you sent for my 80th birthday show, which featured conversations with Zoe Ball. Little did I know at the time that I’d soon be experiencing the things we discussed all over again!

Sending lots of love to Zoe and thanks to everyone who’s reached out! Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Hugs!

Two years ago, Bob publicly shared his experience with cancer treatment, expressing gratitude for each day.

Sometimes I need strong treatments to manage my cancer, and I take daily medication that can have tough side effects. These side effects often make me very emotional.

‘But my cancer was detected early and I count every day as a blessing.’

He strongly urges any man over 50 who hasn’t already to get a health check. He emphasizes that a simple blood test, which takes just a few seconds, could be life-saving.

Bob Harris has worked with the BBC for over 50 years and was awarded an OBE in 2011 for his contributions to broadcasting. He currently hosts two shows: Bob Harris Country on Thursday evenings at 7pm, and Bob Harris Sunday.

In 2019 Bob was forced to take a break from his shows after rupturing his aorta while out walking.

He explained that ten days prior, he experienced a tear in his aorta – a major blood vessel often compared to a highway, as any damage to it is considered very dangerous.

I’ve been walking about five miles daily for the last several years, and I truly believe that staying in shape has helped me survive a recent health crisis.

It was a truly frightening experience, and I’m deeply grateful to the paramedics who arrived so quickly, as well as the intensive care team and doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I also want to thank my wife, Trudie, and my amazing family for all their incredible love and support.

Oh my goodness, I’m just SO relieved! I don’t have an exact date yet, but I’m getting better, really I am! And honestly, just knowing I’ll be back on Radio 2, playing music for you all again soon… it means the world. Seriously, thank you for sticking with me, your support is everything!

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2026-04-23 14:49