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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

BBC stars rally around Lauren Laverne after revealing cancer diagnosis

Lauren Laverne's BBC 6Music colleagues have shown their support for the presenter amid her cancer diagnosis.

The Desert Island Discs host, 46, shared the news on Instagram, reassuring fans that she is expected to make a "full recovery."

In response to her announcement, 6Music newsreader Matthew Carter acknowledged Laverne's health battle before her usual slot, expressing, "We're sending her all our best wishes here at 6Music."

Deb Grant, who stepped in to cover Laverne's morning show, also opened the broadcast by extending well wishes to the beloved presenter on behalf of the entire station.

She shared: “You will have just heard the news about Lauren.

“Just wanted to say on behalf of everyone here at 6Music, we’re thinking of you, we’re hoping you’ll be back with us very, very soon.

Grant then dedicated Stevie Wonder’s version of We Can Work It Out, and shared: “I wanted to play this one, for Lauren Laverne ‘cause I happen to know it’s one of her favourites.

“We love you, Lauren.”

Meanwhile, fellow BBC presenter Vernon Kay also shared his support for the broadcaster amid her health battle on his Radio 2 show.

He began: “We are sending all our love and well wishes to Lauren” before adding: “we started our TV careers pretty much at the same time, share the same birthday, so big love Lauren.”

The well wishes from her BBC colleagues come after Laverne confirmed her cancer battle on Instagram on Wednesday.

Alongside a selfie from hospital, she wrote: “Right then, some personal news… I recently had a cancer diagnosis. It was (thank God) caught early and unexpectedly during a screening test, and I am expected to make a full recovery.”

The BBC presenter thanked the medical teams who have been caring for her with “incredible skill and kindness” while she is receiving treatment in hospital.

She also praised her family and friends who have been “absolutely extraordinary every step of the way”.

“I am so very grateful and love you so much,” she added. “And of course thank you to my colleagues – including those at @itg_ltd, @bbc6music, @bbctheoneshow and #DesertIslandDiscs for their support – and for giving me the time off that I need to get better.”

Laverne leads the Glastonbury coverage on BBC (Ray Burmiston/Matt Burlem/BBC)

Laverne also encouraged others to get checked out if anyone was avoiding an appointment or getting a test.

She added: “Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything.

“It’s usually my job to bring the good vibes on air but any you have to spare are very much welcome here. Sending loads of love to anyone in a similar boat, or who has made it back to shore. xxx”

Following her announcement, she was inundated with messages of support from several famous faces following her announcement on Instagram.

Former Hear'Say singer Myleene Klass commented: “You are incredible and have been every step of the way. Love you Lala x.”

“Sending ALL the good vibes and love, you are amazing and made of pure joy and deserve a speedy, epic recovery, possibly developing some sort of superpowers after,” Doctor Who screenwriter James Moran penned. “Love to you and the family.”

Her BBC Radio 4 colleague Shaun Keaveny wrote: “Darlin, we are sending you all the orange good vibes in the world. Keep yer phone on. See you soon. You're amazing xx.”

Actor Richard E Grant, presenter Dermot O'Leary, McFly’s Harry Judd and comedian Sarah Millican were also among the commenters, with the Millican penning: “Sending lots of love and gentle hugs.”

BBC radio DJ Gaby Roslin sent Laverne “so much love and positive energy” and called her a “gorgeous soul”.

Meanwhile, Sophie Ellis-Bextor wrote: “Lots of love to you, lauren. Here's to a speedy recovery. Xxxx.”

Sports broadcaster Gabby Logan remarked “sending you all the love and positive healing Lauren” while Line of Duty star Vicky McClure added “send love and speedy healing xx”. 

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