BBC radio icon Bob Harris has shared a deeply emotional update on his long-running cancer battle, revealing that his illness has now spread to his spine — leaving him in what he described as “excruciating pain.”
The 80-year-old broadcasting legend, affectionately known as “Whispering Bob,” took to Instagram to explain that recent weeks had been “an extremely testing time.” After undergoing several scans, doctors discovered that his prostate cancer had reached his upper spine — news he admitted was “really frightening.”
He explained that the severe pain in his back had led to urgent investigations, which ultimately confirmed the spread. “When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back… several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine… really frightening news,” he shared.
Bob immediately began a course of radiotherapy, spending two weeks in hospital as doctors worked to bring the condition under control. Now back at home, he says he is slowly regaining strength and has already started a rehabilitation programme.
Despite the ordeal, his determination to return to broadcasting remains unshaken. He revealed he has set himself a personal goal of returning to his shows on BBC Radio 2 by mid to late May, saying he “absolutely cannot wait” to be back behind the microphone.
Throughout his message, Bob paid heartfelt tribute to those who have supported him — including his family, who he said had helped him through “one of the most difficult times” of his life. He also thanked colleagues at Radio 2, including Zoe Ball, and stand-in hosts Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny for keeping his shows going.
Reflecting on his journey, Bob — who was first diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2007 — has long spoken about the importance of early detection. He previously urged men over 50 to get tested, stressing that a simple blood test “could save your life,” while admitting the treatment and its side effects have often taken an emotional toll.
His latest update is another chapter in a life marked by resilience. The veteran broadcaster has spent more than five decades on air and was awarded an OBE in 2011 for his services to broadcasting. He also survived a life-threatening aortic dissection in 2019 — an experience he once described as “incredibly scary.”
Now, as he continues his recovery, Bob’s message is clear: despite the pain, the fight is far from over — and his return to the airwaves is already in sight.
