BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne reveals she’s now cancer-free
BBC 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed she’s now cancer-free after previously sharing news of her diagnosis in the summer.
In August, Laverne issued a statement explaining her absence from the airwaves. Although she didn’t name the specific cancer she was fighting, she urged her followers to get themselves tested. Since then, former BBC Radio 1 presenter Nick Grimshaw has been keeping her seat warm on the radio, but Laverne is now readying her comeback.
On November 24th, Laverne shared a beaming selfie which captured her in a jumper which reads, ‘Life is Beautiful’. She began the positive update by writing: “Well hello there! Just a quick update from me to say that after taking some time off to get better I’ve had the all clear and will be back to work on your TV this Tuesday with the wonderful The One Show team.”
Furthermore, Laverne also revealed that she’s been working on a new series of Desert Island Discs which will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at a later date. Additionally, Laverne confirmed her return to BBC 6 Music will take place in the New Year.
Thanking those who looked after her in the hospital, Laverne said: “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.”
The Sunderland native then expressed her gratitude to her “two astounding kids” and her husband Graeme, who she says has been “absolutely extraordinary throughout”.
Reflecting on the challenging period, Laverne stated, “It’s been a difficult time but one that has taught me so much about what really matters. I can’t say I suddenly regretted never having hiked the Inca Trail, more that I now see more beauty in ordinary things than I could have imagined, and feel more than ever that the small things in life – the connections we make and care we take with each other – are the big things really.”
Laverne concluded the message by sharing a message to those currently going through a similar ordeal, adding, “I have so much to be grateful for and excited about, and that is thanks to everyone mentioned above. Loads of love to anyone going through cancer treatment or supporting a loved one through it. See you soon and thanks again for the well wishes. Xx.”
Before moving into broadcasting, Laverne rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as a teenager as a member of the indie band Kenickie. The group were active for four years, releasing two studio albums, with their debut offering, At The Club, charting at nine in the United Kingdom.
Following their demise, she moved into broadcasting which has now been her occupation for over 25 years.
Having been a part of the station’s furniture since the early days, Laverne has become the most prominent voice on BBC 6 Music and hosted the coveted breakfast show since the beginning of 2019. Additionally, the presenter also helms the prestigious BBC Radio 4 institution Desert Island Discs and regular hosts The One Show on BBC One.
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