Vernon Kay delivered an emotional tribute to Trevor Nelson live on BBC Radio 2, just after the star announced a health issue had forced him to take a break from his weekday show. Nelson explained over Instagram that he was stepping back from Radio 2 so that he could undergo medical tests following a "routine check up". He added that he was "concentrating on getting better" and asked fans not to start guessing what his health issue was.
Kay's On-Air Message
On air, Kay sent "all his love" to Nelson. The morning show presenter said: “Everyone at BBC Radio 2, including the mid-morning show are sending Trevor all the very very best wishes, we absolutely love him to bits. He’s a stalwart broadcaster within the UK - I played golf with him a couple of weeks ago and he was in a buoyant mood. And I know that this challenge is something that Trevor is gonna face head on. So Trevor we are sending you all our love and hopefully see you on the links very soon my friend.”
Outpouring of Support from Colleagues and Celebrities
After Nelson's statement was put on Instagram, he was flooded with support from his BBC colleagues. Melvin Odoom wrote: "Sending love and positive vibes Trev." Anita Rani added: "Sending love. Rest and heal Trevor x." Several other celebrities also sent their love to Nelson. Stormzy and Alesha Dixon both commented heart emojis, while Romesh Ranganathan called him a "legend" and Jools Holland told him to "get well soon". The BBC Radio 2 social media account also commented. They said: “Sending so much love from the Radio 2 family.” This was followed by a statement from the BBC's director of music Lorna Clarke, who said: "Everyone at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1 XTra wishes Trevor a very speedy recovery and we all look forward to him returning to his shows whenever he is ready."
Nelson's Full Statement
Nelson's full statement on Instagram read: "I wanted to let my followers, radio listeners and all my Soul Nation party-people know that I’m going to be taking a little break from my work commitments. Some of you may already have noticed that I’ve not been on my daily Radio 2 slot this week. After a routine check-up I was advised to have some follow up tests. As a result, I will be taking some further time off. As I’m sure you can appreciate with health issues it’s important to deal with facts and not speculate. So I’m concentrating on getting better, being back to 100% me and to getting back behind the mic and the decks. Trevor."
Recent Recognition and Career Highlights
Earlier this week, Nelson received a special honour at the annual TRIC Awards, celebrating his lengthy career in the radio and television industries. He has had a brilliant 30 year career with the BBC, which all began when he moved from KISS FM to Radio 1 in 1996, presenting the UK's first national R&B show. He later went on to launch the first ever national R&B chart show before also working on BBC Radio 1Xtra from 2007 onwards. He stayed at Radio 1 too until 2013 before also taking on a Radio 2 show in 2008, a weekly soul music offering.
