Amanda Holden issues update on Jamie Theakston's cancer treatment and shares his 'biggest challenge'
Heart radio presenter Amanda Holden has issued an update on her co-star Jamie Theakston's cancer treatment and revealed his "biggest challenge". Jamie, 53, announced last month that he was taking a a break from their breakfast show after being diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer. He explained at the time that he sought medical advice after radio listeners spotted a change in his voice. He then underwent surgery to remove a lesion and a biopsy later confirmed cancer.
Now, Amanda, 53, has opened up about Jamie's recovery as she appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday (7 October). As the Britain's Got Talent judge prepares to cycle 250 miles from Cornwall to London to raise funds for Global’s Make Some Noise, GMB host 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 said: "Well the good news is with Jamie, it was stage 1 and he's going to be absolutely fine. I think the biggest challenge he faces now is with a voice and a speech therapist to get his voice back."
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Sharing when he's set to return to air, she continued: "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 [pointing at bike], so now he's sat at home doing none of this. We miss him so much."
Jamie had originally hoped to return to work this month. Sharing a health update with fans last month, 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!"
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He added: "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."
Amanda previously spoke about Jamie's health update on the show in an emotional statement. She 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."
She went onl: "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."
