BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris has delivered a deeply emotional and heartbreaking update on his health, revealing that his long-running cancer battle has taken a devastating turn.
The 80-year-old broadcasting icon admitted he is facing the toughest moment of his life after learning that his prostate cancer has now spread to his spine — a development that left him battling what he described as “excruciating pain.”
In a candid and moving message to fans, Bob did not hold back as he opened up about the reality of his condition, admitting, “I don’t have long left to live,” as he reflected on the severity of the diagnosis and the toll it has taken on his body.
The beloved presenter explained that weeks of intense back pain led to urgent scans, which ultimately confirmed the cancer had spread. He described the discovery as “really frightening news,” marking a turning point in his already long and difficult journey with the disease.
Following the diagnosis, 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 started a rehabilitation programme, taking each day as it comes.
Despite the gravity of the situation, what has struck fans most is his unwavering determination. Even in the face of such devastating news, Bob revealed he has set himself a personal target of returning to his shows on BBC Radio 2 in May — a goal that speaks volumes about his resilience and love for broadcasting.
Throughout his emotional update, he paid tribute to those who have supported him during this incredibly difficult time. His family, he said, have been by his side “in a massive way,” helping him through one of the darkest chapters of his life. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to colleagues at Radio 2, including Zoe Ball, as well as stand-in hosts Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny, who have kept his programmes going in his absence.
Bob’s story is one of extraordinary endurance. First diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2007, he has lived with the illness for nearly two decades, continuing to work and inspire listeners along the way. He has long used his platform to urge men over 50 to get tested, stressing that early detection can save lives.
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Bob Harris has become one of the most respected voices in British radio, earning an OBE in 2011 for his services to broadcasting. He has also faced life-threatening health scares before, including a near-fatal aortic dissection in 2019 — a moment he once described as “incredibly scary.”
Now, as he faces this latest and most challenging chapter, his words carry both heartbreak and hope. The pain is real, the diagnosis is serious — but so too is his determination.
Because even after everything, Bob Harris is not ready to say goodbye just yet.
