DJ Mark Radcliffe feels the love from Zoe Ball and Richard Bacon over cancer diagnosis

RADIO and TV stars from Zoe Ball to Claudia Winklemann have been wishing BBC 6 Music DJ Mark Radcliffe well after he made the shock announcement he is suffering from ‘cancerous tongue and lymph node issues’.

The popular Bolton-born broadcaster, 60, broke the news during his Radio 2 Folk Show show last night, telling listeners: ‘Now — here’s a thing — I’m sad to say that I’ve got some cancerous tongue and lymph node issues and so, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I’m going to be disappearing for a while to get that all sorted out.

‘It’s all been caught very early and so everything should be fine.’

He went on: ‘All being well, I’ll be back in action in the new year — or sooner if I feel well enough — but I will be back, you can depend on it. I just can’t say exactly when that will be.

‘So you won’t hear from me for a while now and therefore… well… Merry Christmas, I guess. Life, eh?’

Newly announced Radio One Breakfast Show host Zoe Ball was one of the first to wish Mark well, tweeting: ‘Wishing you much love wonderful chap for speedy recovery. All the love xxxxx’

And fellow radio presenter Richard Bacon, who has only just recovered from his own health scare, posted: ‘Get well you hero x’

Referring to Radcliffe’s return, comedian and author David Baddiel wrote: ‘Very much hope that last sentence is correct. Get well, Mark. All best.’

And Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman wrote simply: ‘Sending so much love.’

Radcliffe, who originally found fame with his band Shirehorses and memorably won Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes with his impersonation of Shane MacGowan back in 2006, also felt the love from fellow musicians.

A message from the Inspiral Carpets’ official account read: ‘The Inspirals & I’m sure all of our fan family wish you all the best Mark and hope to hear you back on the radio ASAP. Stay Cool As F***!’

And A Girl Like You singer Edwyn Collins posted: ‘Dear Mark — Life eh, right enough. You get better, sir. Lots of love, see you in the charts.’

A BBC spokesperson said: ‘Everyone at Radio 2 and 6 Music wishes Mark well and we look forward to welcoming him back when he’s ready.’

Radcliffe confirmed he and Stuart Maconie will broadcast their last 6 Music show together for a while tonight. Meanwhile, his Folk Show will be presented by Ricky Ross for the next few weeks.

Author: Anna Thomson