I’m concentrating on getting better

BBC DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson has announced he is taking a break from his BBC Radio 2 show for medical reasons.

The Radio 2 and 1Xtra presenter, who has been off air this week after undergoing tests, announced that he is “taking a little break from my work commitments” due to “health issues” yesterday (June 26).

He did not go into detail about his diagnosis, but told his Instagram followers that he was now “concentrating on getting better”.

“Some of you may already have noticed that I’ve not been on my daily Radio 2 slot this week,” he told fans. “After a routine check-up I was advised to have some follow up tests. As a result, I will be taking some further time off. As I’m sure you can appreciate with health issues, it’s important to deal with facts and not speculate.

“So I’m concentrating on getting better, being back to 100% me and to getting back behind the mic and the decks.”

Earlier this week, Nelson received a special prize at the Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) Awards, recognising his broadcasting career across radio and television. This year, he also won the Judge’s Special Recognition Award at the ARIAs, the industry’s yearly awards, and celebrated 30 years at the BBC.

Nelson presents weekdays between 2 to 4pm on Radio 2, and on BBC Radio 1Xtra each Sunday, at 11am until 1pm.

The BBC’s director of music, Lorna Clarke said: “Everyone at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1Xtra wishes Trevor a very speedy recovery and we all look forward to him returning to his shows whenever he is ready.”

Messages of love and support from artists including Stormzy, Spice Girl’s Mel B, Beverley Knight, Jools Holland and Alesha Dixon have also been flooding in under Nelson’s post.

“Health. First and always,” noted singer Knight, while Corinne Bailey Rae added: “Well done for listening to your body.”

Laverne of 6 Music and Radio 4 said: “Sending lots of love and keeping everything crossed for you. I know how that can feel – take it one step at a time and try not to jump ahead.”

Vernon Kay paid tribute on his show on Friday, saying: “Everyone at BBC Radio 2, including the mid-morning show are sending Trevor all the very very best wishes, we absolutely love him to bits.

“He’s a stalwart broadcaster within the UK – I played golf with him a couple of weeks ago and he was in a buoyant mood. And I know that this challenge is something that Trevor is gonna face head on.

“So Trevor we are sending you all our love and hopefully see you on the links very soon my friend.”

Next week, Clara Amfo will cover his weekday show, after which, DJ Spoony will take over from July 6 until further notice.

Listeners can hear him present The Music is Black concert from Hackney Empire on Sunday night (June 28) on BBC Radio 2, which was pre-recorded last month.