Trevor Nelson has returned to Radio 2 after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour, thanking fans for their 'overwhelming' love and support during his health battles.
The 62-year-old was forced to take time away from the spotlight over the summer to focus on his condition, and previously revealed that his world had been 'turned upside down' after receiving the diagnosis. Earlier this afternoon, he made a return to the airwaves as part of a staggered comeback, and shared how much he has missed being at work.
Emotional Return to the Airwaves
“I’ve missed sitting in this seat, I’ve missed being in this studio – being on the eighth floor of BBC broadcasting house, being on the best radio station in the world, and missed you most of all. Boy, have I missed you guys,” he told listeners before playing Welcome Back by John Sebastian.
He later continued: “I feel like I’ve been hijacked this summer. Someone’s paid the ransom at last, freed me, and freed me. It’s been an emotional and very difficult summer for me. But I’ve got through with a lot of help from close friends and family, my management, my wife Pri has been amazing and everybody close to me.”
Overwhelming Fan Support
“It feels weird saying that people who I don’t know have helped me massively. All the listeners, all the love has been overwhelming and insane. In my darkest moments, it really did help me through,” he added. “When you know people hear about you and want you back doing what they want you to do. It’s great and I feel so good.”
Fans quickly flooded Trevor’s Instagram post confirming his return with messages of support, welcoming him back in style - while also praising DJ Spoony for filling in his slot. “This is wonderful news Trevor you have been so missed,” an Instagram user said, as another agreed: “Welcome back! We’ve missed you.”
“@djspoony has done an absolutely brilliant job - well done! But it’s so good to hear @djtrevornelson is back where he belongs! We’ll be with you at 2pm. Welcome back,” a follower commented. “So glad Trevor is back - DJ Spoony is fab too. Just hope Trevor doesn’t rush himself too much and returns as slowly as he needs to,” one replied.
Return Schedule and Health Update
Trevor has been a staple of the radio for decades, having previously appeared on Kiss FM, Radio 1 and MTV over the years. He will continue on in the weekday afternoon slot on Radio 2 from 2-4pm, as well as the 11am-1pm show on Radio 1Xtra on Saturdays, but is going to stagger his return. This week, he will be hosting on Monday and Wednesday, taking on three shows next week and four the week after, before returning full-time from September 28.
In June, Trevor revealed that he would be taking a step back from his Radio 2 duties to deal with 'health issues', before sharing an update in August that doctors discovered that he had a brain tumour. In a video shared on social media, he explained: “There’s been a lot of speculation as to what’s wrong with me, I know that much. I’ll tell you this: I was minding my own business, and then it was discovered that I had a brain tumour. My world was turned upside down. It was a shock to myself, my close family, and friends. My head was all over the place.”
He shared that he immediately halted his work commitments after the diagnosis, and underwent surgery a few weeks later. “Thankfully it went incredibly well, and the last month I’ve been at home recuperating, resting, recovering, and getting some post-op treatment,” he continued, insisting that he was 'almost back to himself'. “I’ve had a really serious situation, but I’ve come out the other side at this point and I feel great,” he added. “I feel raring to go, and I feel in good health. I really am on the mend. Thank-you once again for all your positive vibes, your love and support.”
