Amanda Holden gives update on co-star Jamie Theakston’s cancer diagnosis as she reveals when star will return to radio
AMANDA Holden has given an update on co-star Jamie Theakston’s cancer diagnosis as she revealed when he will return to radio.
Jamie, 53, who presents on Heart Radio, last month revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
He said the disease was spotted by radio listeners after they noticed a change in his voice – leading to him seeking medical advice.
Amanda, 53, gave fans an update on her good friend and said he is set to have voice therapy to get his voice back.
The BGT judge appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday as she prepares to cycle 250 miles from Bude, Cornwall to London to raise funds for Global’s Make Some Noise.
GMB presenter Susanna Reid asked: “I imagine as well you’d be thinking about your co-host Jamie Theakston, he’s going through his own challenge at the moment, he was diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“I’m sure he’s supporting you.
“Is he going to be back working with you this month, as he had hoped to?”
Amanda shared: “Well the good news is with Jamie, it was stage 1 and he’s going to be absolutely fine.”
She went on: “I think the biggest challenge he faces now is with a voice and a speech therapist to get his voice back.
“We are keeping everything crossed that he’ll be with us at least in November I reckon or for Christmas.
“He always used to sit in the studio doing none of this, so now he’s sat at home doing none of this.
“We miss him so much.”
Jamie has been on a break from work after undergoing surgery to his vocal chords and had originally hoped to return this month.
Sharing a health update with fans last month, the radio star confirmed who will replace him and when he will be back.
He said: “Hi folks, as you know – I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords.
“The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer.
“So I have cancer but cancer doesn’t have me!
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.
“Until then, I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.
“Huge thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
According to the NHS website, laryngeal cancer affects your voice box.
The main treatments for throat cancer include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted cancer medicines.
Jamie’s co-star Amanda spoke about Jamie’s health update on the show.
Shortly after Jamie’s announcement, an emotional Amanda said live on air: “We share everything with you on this show, the ups and the downs.
“So, it feels only right that we get you completely up to speed with what’s going on.
“You might have seen on Jamie’s socials, he recently had an operation to remove a lesion from his vocal cords and we wanted to let you know that this biopsy has actually been identified as stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“Even though it has been identified as cancer, it is not all bad news.”
Amanda continued: “He has told us that we have got to hold the fort and he has told us that the show must go on and absolutely that’s what we’re going to do.
“We’re going to do him proud. Him and Sophie and the boys, they’re listening at home and I know after this announcement all of those listening are going to be sending your best wishes to our King.
“Our lovely Jamie who is going to be better and back with us soon.”
She also rushed to social media to share her love and support.
Amanda reshared his post on her story and added: “We love you Jamie.”
It comes just weeks after Jamie revealed he was taking a break from his breakfast show to recover from surgery.
In a statement on social media, he explained: “Sooo – a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks – I’ve got you to thank… got it checked.
“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I’ve had removed this weekend.
“Thanks for all the kind messages should be back on my feet soon – in the meantime…”