Jamie Theakston in tears as he talks of cancer struggle
Jamie Theakston in tears as he talks of cancer struggle
Jamie Theakston has emotionally opened up about his battle with laryngeal cancer, as he told Davina McCall of the 'huge shock' he felt upon receiving the diagnosis
Jamie Theakston
(Image: Alan Chapman/)
Jamie Theakston has candidly revealed his struggle with laryngeal cancer in a heartfelt conversation with Davina McCall. The broadcaster from Heart Radio, at 54, was diagnosed with an aggressive variety of the disease last September, having initially thought his persisting sore throat was nothing serious.
Miraculously, Jamie has successfully beaten cancer, following multiple operations to extract a malignant growth from his vocal cords. Yet, during a recent episode of the Begin Again podcast, he reflected on how stark and unexpected the diagnosis was amidst plans for a family vacation.
Searching for words, he described the moment: "So, when I got my cancer diagnosis, it came as such a huge shock to me because it was so surprising, like there was no... it just came as such a broadside because... so, I'd had this sore throat for a while, and we were about to go on holiday. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
"We're going to, we're off to Japan. In fact, I think we were meant to be flying to Japan that day and my wife said, 'You should go and see someone before we go, just to get some antibiotic to clear up your throat'."
In a turn of events, Jamie sought advice from a specialist who, despite being 'lovely', possessed what Jamie felt was the 'worst bedside manner of any doctor' he had encountered. Upon examining Jamie's throat, the doctor instantly suggested cancer as the likely cause, propelling Jamie into a series of tests and scans.
A few hours after the examinations, the radio DJ went ahead with his holiday plans while waiting for the results. Despite having a splendid time, he chose not to divulge his situation to his family, bearing the burden in silence for a fortnight. "I didn't tell anyone," he confided."...At that stage, I thought, well, it might not be cancer. So, there's no point really in saying."
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The truth eventually came to light when Jamie received his biopsy results, confirming the presence of early-stage cancer. He returned home to share the grave news with his wife, Sophie Siegle, who was left in deep distress.
With emotion clear in his voice, Jamie recounted: "My mum had died of cancer about a year before. And so my youngest son, he was with me when I was told my mum had died from cancer, knew that you could die. And so, I told him that it was going to be fine and that he had nothing to worry about, and that was the hardest part."
Post-diagnosis, Jamie had surgery at the Princess Grace Hospital in Central London which was initially deemed successful, but doubts lingered over whether all the cancer had been excised.
Now 54, the DJ faced further tribulations with a second operation complicated by scar tissue impacting his vocal cords. A third procedure was contemplated, though doctors warned they were verging on 'dangerously close' to a point where Jamie might lose his ability to speak permanently.
He remarked: "And so, that had now gone from being, I've got cancer that I should be able to live with to a situation where they've gone, well, 'We're now dangerously close to you not being able to talk,' which is new. I was like, wow, I hadn't really factored that into the whole equation."
Thankfully, Jamie's voice remains unharmed, and he celebrated his return to Heart Radio Breakfast, where he teams up with Amanda Holden, this January.
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Upon his return, he informed his audience: "Today is the four-month anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. So it's been four months, and I'm fed up with hospitals and operations, and it's just wonderful to be back, and I've got some news for you. Because I can tell you that as of today, I'm cancer free."
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