BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris has revealed that his cancer has spread from his prostate to his upper spine as he shares an image with fans following his hospitalisation.

11:51, 23 Apr 2026Updated 12:51, 23 Apr 2026

(Image: Sarah Jeynes/BBC)

BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris has revealed to fans that his cancer has now spread from his prostate to his upper spine as he shares the “frightening news” with his followers.

The radio star, 80, was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and had managed the disease since then, but earlier this month was hospitalised after severe back pain.

The star, better known as “Whispering Bob”, has now shared an update on social media with fans, revealing that he had been through a “testing time”.

“I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time. When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back,” he began in a post on Instagram, accompanied with an image of himself walking with a stick.

(Image: @whisperingbob/Instagram)

(Image: @whisperingbob/instagram)

“Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news. So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy – two weeks in hospital in total – to bring things back under control.”

He shared that he was getting stronger and had begun rehab: “Thankfully I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day. “I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son @expiredfilmclub who took the photograph.” He took the time to thank his family and BBC family as he referred to this experience as one of the hardest in his life: “My family has been here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I can’t even begin to think of a way to say thank you. I love them so much. “Helen Thomas and the @bbcradio2 family have also been supportive beyond words and I know for certain that I’ll be returning to my programmes as soon as I am able.” He then said he had big plans to be back on the airwaves in the next few weeks, and thanking his replacements while he had been away: “I’ve set a personal target of mid-May for Country and the end of May for Sounds of the 70’s. I know that my friends @dariusrucker and @shaunkeaveny_ have been doing a fabulous job… but I absolutely cannot wait to be back.

“Thank you for all the messages you’ve sent via the conversations @zoetheball and I recorded for my 80th birthday programme. I had no idea then that I was about to relive the very experiences we talked about! Just want to send so much love to Zoe and to everyone who have been in touch. See you soon folks! xxx”

(Image: Sarah Jeynes/BBC)

The DJ has already been flooded with support from fans, with many delighted that he is on the road to recovery.

Spandeau Ballet’s Gary Kemp replied to the post: “Get well soon, Bob. Sending you lots of love. ❤️”

Ward Thomas replied: “Sending you all our love and a speedy recovery! ❤️xx”

When Bob was hospitalised earlier this month he told fans: “As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments. “

He added: “Although I can’t at the moment give an exact date for my return, I know that I will come back… and come back stronger. I hate missing programmes and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can.”

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