BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris is hospitalised amid his battle with prostate cancer as he thanks his family for their support through the ‘unexpectedly testing time’

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BBC Radio 2 star Bob Harris has been hospitalised amid his prostate cancer battle.

Bob Harris, the famous 79-year-old radio DJ nicknamed ‘Whispering’ Bob, has been living with a health condition since being diagnosed in 2007. Modern medical technology helps him manage it effectively.

He shared a positive update on Instagram on Thursday, posting a photo from his hospital bed and expressing gratitude for his family’s support during a difficult and unexpected period.

Bob shared that he was getting treatment for a cancer-related problem that had been developing over time, but he didn’t offer any details.

Just a quick health update: I’m currently in the hospital taking a short break from my shows on BBC Radio 2 to get treatment for something that’s been developing over the last few weeks.

As some of you are aware, I’m living with prostate cancer, and unfortunately, I’m currently facing a health challenge that requires attention. I occasionally experience difficulties with my condition, and this is one of those times.

The Country Show is set to go ahead this week! On April 12th, ‘Sounds of the 70s’ will be a special 80th birthday tribute, which I recorded shortly before attending the @c2cfestival with my friend @zoetheball.

Following that, Darius Rucker will be guest-hosting the Country show, and Shaun Keaveny will be filling in on Sounds of the 70s for a couple of weeks.

I don’t have a firm return date yet, but I’m determined to come back – and be even better than before. I really miss being on the air and can’t wait to get back to the studio as soon as possible. In the meantime, everyone at BBC Radio 2 has been incredibly supportive.

I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially during this challenging time. I also want to thank my manager, Nick Canham at @cloreclients, for being so wonderful.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who sent such kind words and messages – they really mean the world to me. Sending you all my love! ❤️ I’ll be back soon. #health #cancer #radio2 #country #soundsofthe70s

Last October, Bob received a lot of support from his coworkers, including Zoe Ball, when he publicly shared his emotional cancer diagnosis.

He took to social media as he told followers how he was ‘feeling very low’.

As a wellness advocate, I often talk about being honest with yourself through life’s challenges, and my friend Bob is truly embodying that. He recently shared a photo of himself resting, and his caption really resonated with me. He expressed how thankful he is for the cancer treatment he’s receiving, but also admitted that dealing with the side effects can be incredibly difficult. It’s such a powerful reminder that strength isn’t about not struggling, it’s about acknowledging the tough moments alongside the gratitude.

‘Feeling very low tonight. Tomorrow I go again…’

Bob received a flood of supportive messages, and many of his coworkers at BBC Radio 2 responded with kind comments.

Zoe Ball sent a message of support, saying she was sorry to hear things weren’t going well and sending lots of love and admiration to the recipient, praising their bravery.

Weekend presenter Paddy McGuinness wrote: ‘I need you up and at um Bob! You’re the Governor!!!’

Dermot O’Leary replied: ‘You’re the best champ! X.’

Sara Cox added: ‘Bob I’m sending you an inappropriately long hug xxxxx.’

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

Sometimes I need strong treatments to manage my cancer, and I take a lot of daily medication to keep it under control. Unfortunately, the side effects of the medication can be really tough and 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 only takes a few seconds, could be life-saving.

Bob has worked at the BBC for over 50 years and was awarded an OBE in 2011 for his contributions to broadcasting.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe how lucky I am! I get to listen to Bob Harris twice a week! Every Thursday night at 7pm, he’s on with ‘Bob Harris Country,’ and then again on Sundays! It’s honestly the highlight of my week, seriously. I just live for his shows!

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 while walking – a condition called an aortic dissection.

‘The aorta is basically the M1 of the body and any damage is regarded as extremely serious.

Okay, so I’ve been seriously dedicated to walking – like, five miles every day for years now. And honestly, I truly believe it’s what kept me going when things got really tough. I’m convinced all that walking is what saved my life, it really is!

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 love and support.

I don’t have a firm date for my return to the air, but I’m recovering well and looking forward to playing music for you on Radio 2 again soon.

‘Thank you for everything.’

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2026-04-02 20:24