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BBC presenter Trevor Nelson reveals brain tumour diagnosis and surgery

Published 20 August 2026

BBC Radio presenter Trevor Nelson has revealed he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent serious surgery, explaining his recent absence from the airwaves. The 62-year-old broadcaster shared the news in an Instagram video posted on Thursday, August 20, 2026, stating that his "world was turned upside down" by the discovery.

Nelson, a long-standing figure on BBC Radio 2 and 1Xtra, had stepped back from his work commitments in June due to illness. In his video, he addressed the speculation surrounding his health, saying, "I was minding my own business and then it was discovered that I had a brain tumour. As you can imagine, I was shocked." He explained that he felt he could not continue his radio work while dealing with the diagnosis.

The presenter stated that a few weeks after the diagnosis, he had "a very serious surgery," which he said went "incredibly well." Since the operation, he has been at home recuperating, receiving post-operative treatment, and spending time with his family. Nelson expressed that he now feels "great" and "raring to go," ready to return to his professional duties.

His update was met with an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans. BBC Radio...

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