BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris, 79, has been hospitalised for treatment related to his prostate cancer. The veteran DJ, known as 'Whispering' Bob Harris, shared the news on Instagram on Thursday, smiling from his hospital bed and thanking his family for their support during what he called an 'unexpectedly testing time'.
Harris, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, explained that he was receiving treatment for an issue that had been building over the past few weeks. He did not provide further details but assured fans that his pre-recorded shows would air as scheduled, with colleagues Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny covering for him during his absence.
'I know that I will come back… and come back stronger,' Harris wrote. 'I hate missing programmes and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can.' He expressed gratitude for the support from his family, friends, manager Nick Canham, and listeners.
Harris has previously spoken about the challenges of living with prostate cancer, including side effects from treatment. In October 2025, he received messages of support from BBC Radio 2 colleagues including Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, and Sara Cox after sharing an emotional update. He has urged men over 50 to get tested, saying, 'The blood test only takes seconds and it could save your life.'
Harris, who has been with the BBC for over 50 years and received an OBE in 2011, presents Bob Harris Country and Bob Harris Sunday on Radio 2. He previously took a break in 2019 after suffering an aortic dissection.
