Broadcaster Lauren Laverne has thanked The One Show viewers for their support after she was given the “all clear” for cancer.
The 46-year-old broadcaster, best known for hosting the BBC evening show and Radio 4’s flagship interview show Desert Island Discs, said on Instagram on Sunday that she will be returning to The One Show studio on Tuesday (26 November) after “taking some time off to get better”.
Sharing a selfie wearing a blue jumper printed with the words “life is beautiful”, Laverne told fans she had been given the “all clear” by her doctors.
She wrote: “I want to say a huge thank you to the brilliant medical teams who took such great care of me, to the thousands of people who sent me such beautiful and encouraging messages, the friends and acquaintances who took the time to support me after going through cancer themselves – and most of all to my family: my two outstanding kids and especially my husband Graeme, who was absolutely extraordinary throughout."
The presenter, who also hosts BBC Radio 6 Music’s breakfast show, said she had been through “a difficult time” that had taught her “so much about what really matters”.
Laverne revealed her cancer diagnosis in August, saying at the time that it had been caught early and she “expected to make a full recovery”.
She returned to The One Show on Tuesday evening (26 November), and thanked listeners for their kind words of encouragement during her treatment.
Her co-host Alex Jones announced she was “delighted” that Laverne was back on the show.
“Miss Laverne, we have missed you so much, you look brilliant – how are you feeling?” enquired Jones.
“I feel great, I’m really pleased to be back,” Laverne replied. “It’s great to be back on the iconic sofa instead of watching at home. Largely I feel good because I’ve had so many lovely messages from viewers.”
She continued: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been in touch, especially those who have been through cancer treatment themselves, it has been so encouraging and really touching. And I’m thrilled to be back.”
Desert Island Discs in November after being absent from the studios for three months. She will be returning to her BBC 6 Music Breakfast show in the New Year.
Laverne’s news has been met with celebration from her celebrity colleagues.
Davina McCall, who recently underwent surgery for a benign brain tumour, wrote online: “There she is x. Hope you and your fam are all doing ok ! Love u Lauren.”
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman wrote: “The best news,” with a row of red heart emojis, while Radio 4 Today programme host Amol Rajan added: “Late, winning contender for Insta Post of the Year 2024. Wonderful stuff.”
BBC Radio host Gaby Roslin added: “The best news. Big love to you and your gorgeous family.”
A BBC spokeswoman said: "We’re delighted to welcome Lauren back to the studio this month for The One Show and Desert Island Discs, with new episodes airing on Radio 4 from 1 December, and we look forward to welcoming Lauren back to BBC Radio 6 Music in the new year."
Laverne, who has long served as one of the lead presenters for the BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury festival, took over the job of presenting Desert Island Discs from Kirsty Young in 2018. Over the past six years, she has entertained many listeners with her interviews with including Ian Wright, Jamie Dornan, and Ruth Jones.
The Sunderland-born DJ started presenting following career in music with her pop-rock band Kenickie. She began establishing herself by hosting guest slots on Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Have I Got News for You in the early 2000s.
She became the first woman to host XFM’s flagship breakfast show in 2005 and has hosted the morning show on BBC Radio 6 Music since 2019.
With additional reporting from agencies.
