Trevor Nelson, the BBC Radio 2 presenter and DJ, has announced he is taking a break from broadcasting due to health issues. The 62-year-old, who has not been on air all week, revealed on Instagram that he was advised to undergo follow-up medical tests after a routine check-up.
Nelson's announcement on Instagram
In a post to his followers, Nelson wrote: '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.'
Support from music and media figures
Nelson, who has spent 30 years at the BBC championing black music in the UK, received swift support from prominent figures. Musicians Stormzy and Alesha Dixon, along with fellow BBC radio presenter Lauren Laverne, were among those sending messages. Laverne said: 'Sending lots of love and keeping everything crossed for you. I know how that can feel – take it one step at a time and try not to jump ahead.' Singer Beverley Knight commented: 'Health. First and always.' Fellow singer Lemar added: 'Big love Trev. Rest up.' The singer and presenter Fleur East wrote: 'Take your time. Health is everything.'
BBC's response and recent accolades
Lorna Clarke, the BBC's director of music, said: 'Everyone at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1Xtra wishes Trevor a very speedy recovery and we all look forward to him returning to his shows whenever he is ready.' This week, Nelson received an award from the Television and Radio Industries Club in recognition of his broadcasting career. Earlier this year, he won the judge's special recognition award at the Arias, the industry's yearly awards.
Upcoming broadcast and past honors
Listeners can still hear him present The Music Is Black concert from Hackney Empire on Sunday night on Radio 2, which was recorded last month. Nelson was awarded an MBE in 2002 for his work with Millennium Volunteers, a government-backed scheme encouraging young people to carry out community work.
