NATIONAL TREASURE
Who is Jamie Theakston and what type of cancer has the Heart Radio presenter been diagnosed with?
Find out what Jamie has said about his cancer battle
AFTER rising to fame in the 90s, Jamie Theakston has become one the UK's most popular presenters.
Sadly in September 2024, the Heart Radio star revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
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Born in Sussex on December 21, 1970, Jamie is a television presenter, producer, and actor.
The star is best known for his radio career, which began when he was 23.
The BBC head of sport spotted his talent and hired him to present Greater London Radio's Saturday Sport Show.
Afterwards, he presented numerous shows for Radio 5 Live until he joined Radio 1 in 1999 to present the Sunday Lunch show.
He left Radio 1 in 2002 to pursue an acting career, which included Agatha Christie's Marple and Little Britain.
launched his TV career on kids' shows such as Live & Kicking and Top Of The Pops, which he hosted in the late 90s.
Heart Radio fame
Since 2005, Jamie secured his biggest job to date when he joined Heart Radio to host their Breakfast Show.
He has remained there ever since and has a huge army of loyal listeners.
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Jamie now presents the Breakfast Show with Amanda Holden, who replaced Spice Girl Emma Bunton in 2018.
Former-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts sometimes joins the pair.
Amanda Holden shrieks with delight as co-host Jamie Theakston strips 'naked' live on air
In fact, Jamie and Ashley are such good friends that they appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox together in 2020.
Married with kids
Jamie has been married to wife Sophie Siegel since 2007, after meeting the year before.
Sophie works at London's exclusive private members' club Soho House.
The couple have a son named Sidney, who was born in April 2008.
Sophie then gave birth to their second baby boy, Kit, the following year in September 2009.
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Cancer battle
In September 2024, the couple's life was rocked.
It came after Jamie revealed he was battling stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
Addressing fans, he told them: "Hi folks, as you know - I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords.
"The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer.
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"So I have cancer but cancer doesn't have me!
"The prognosis is very positive and I'm hoping to be back with you in October.
"Until then, I've been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.
";Huge thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.
"Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I'll have a great story to tell."
Jamie told fans how his cancer was spotted by his radio listeners.
It came after they noticed a change in his voice, which ultimately led to him seeking medical advice.
Jamie also said that Jason King - known as JK - would be replacing him while he took time off to get better.
Key symptoms of laryngeal cancer
The NHS have said there are six other key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for:
- pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- lump or swelling in your neck
- long-lasting cough or breathlessness
- a persistent sore throat or earache
- a high-pitched wheezing noise when you breathe
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
Other signs also include: bad breath, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue (extreme tiredness).
You should see your doctor if you notice:
- have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks
- have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time and you are not dieting
- are short of breath or have a cough that doesn't go away, or your breathing becomes noisy (stridor)
- have pain or difficulty swallowing
- have any other symptoms that are unusual for you or that don't go away
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