Legendary broadcaster Trevor Nelson has announced he is taking a temporary break from his BBC Radio 2 show for medical reasons. The veteran DJ, who has been a staple of the airwaves for three decades, confirmed he would be stepping back from his professional commitments to prioritize his recovery.
Nelson, who also presents on BBC Radio 1Xtra, had been absent from his daily Radio 2 slot earlier this week. In a statement shared with his followers, he explained that a routine check-up led to a recommendation for further medical testing. While he did not disclose specific details regarding his diagnosis, he emphasized the importance of focusing on his well-being.
“Some of you may already have noticed that I’ve not been on my daily Radio 2 slot this week,” Nelson shared. “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.”
The news comes during a significant period for the presenter, who recently celebrated 30 years at the BBC. His contributions to the industry were further honored this week with a special prize at the Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) Awards, as well as the Judge’s Special Recognition Award at the ARIAs.
Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s director of music, expressed the network’s full support for the presenter: “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.”
The broadcasting community has rallied around Nelson, with messages of support pouring in from high-profile figures including Stormzy, Mel B, Beverley Knight, Jools Holland, and Alesha Dixon. Fellow broadcaster Vernon Kay also paid tribute on his own show, noting that Nelson is a “stalwart broadcaster” and expressing confidence that he would face this challenge head-on.
In the interim, the BBC has confirmed that Clara Amfo will cover the weekday slot next week, with DJ Spoony taking over from July 6 until further notice. Listeners can still hear Nelson’s pre-recorded special, The Music is Black, which is scheduled to air this Sunday night on BBC Radio 2.
