BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has expressed his support for colleague Trevor Nelson, who is currently facing an undisclosed health issue. On Friday, June 26, Nelson announced he would be stepping back from his work commitments after a recent absence from his afternoon radio show.
Nelson's Health Announcement
In a statement shared on Instagram, the 62-year-old DJ explained: "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." He added that he is "concentrating on getting better" and aims to be "back to 100 per cent" so he can return to the job he loves.
Support from Colleagues
Following the announcement, fans and fellow broadcasters flooded the comments section with messages of support. During his mid-morning Radio 2 show, Vernon Kay shared a heartfelt message, saying he was confident Trevor would face the health challenge "head on."
Kay stated: "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."
BBC and Industry Reactions
Lorna Clarke, Director of Music at the BBC, also shared a statement: "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."
In response to Nelson's Instagram post, BBC Radio 2 host Nicki Chapman added: "Sending love and positive vibes." Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon shared three love heart emojis, while singer Fleur East typed: "Take your time. Health is everything." DJ Norman Jaye wrote: "I've just returned home myself after 2 'traumatic' weeks in hospital. So I couldn’t agree with you more there brotha Trev. Facing down any health challenges must be your no 1 priority. Sending much [love] and healing vibes."
Nelson's Career and Recent Honor
Trevor Nelson currently presents his BBC Radio 2 show every weekday from 2pm to 4pm, alongside his BBC Radio 1Xtra programme every Sunday from 11am to 1pm. Earlier this week, he was honoured with a special award at the annual TRIC Awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the radio and television industry.
The broadcaster has enjoyed a glittering career spanning more than three decades, with much of it spent at the BBC. His journey began in 1996 when he left KISS FM to join BBC Radio 1, where he launched the UK's first national R&B show. He later introduced the country's first national R&B chart show before joining BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2007. Nelson remained at Radio 1 until 2013 and, in 2008, also began presenting a weekly soul music programme on BBC Radio 2.
