BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw was diagnosed with cancer after doctors discovered tumours on his spine last summer.
His friend and podcast producer, Peter Everett, posted on Facebook that the Live Aid presenter, 66, had had a ‘difficult time’ of late to explain why there has been no new episode of The Andy Kershaw Show since June 2025.
He continued: ‘Last August, he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk.
‘Since then, he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers.’
Meanwhile, Everett shared that Kershaw himself had written: ‘I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast.
‘I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant and Dec. That should keep me going for a while.’
Everett added: ‘Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us….
‘The many messages of support and good wishes are hugely appreciated.’
After starting his BBC career in Leeds, he rose to prominence as presenter of BBC TV’s flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Kershaw was then hired to take over from DJ John Peel on Radio 1 in 1985, the same year he co-presented Live Aid. He hosted his Radio 1 show for 15 years until 2000.
After that, he worked regularly with BBC Three, including his regular Sunday feature, The Kershaw Tapes.
The music presenter personality, who is based in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, is also a regular contributor to Radio 4 and has travelled the world during his time as a reporter, including the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.
Fans have shared their well wishes for Kershaw on social media.
‘Sorry to be reading this, Andy. I hope your journey in the cancer world, ends up being successful, and you continue a long and happy life,’ Andrew Clear wrote on Facebook.
‘I hope you’re soon well Andy. Sending you all the best xx,’ Marion Ackroyd echoed.
Where to find support
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They’re there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
According to the NHS website, there are also a number of organisations you can seek further support from.
National cancer charities offering support and information about cancer, including the symptoms, types, causes and treatments:
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