When Amanda Holden’s Heart Breakfast co-host Jamie Theakston returned to the station following his treatment for stage one laryngeal cancer, BGT host Amanda was ‘thrilled’ to be reunited with him
Heart Breakfast presenter Amanda Holden has opened up about her friend and co-host Jamie Theakston’s cancer diagnosis, after his “surprise” return to the radio.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 53, was ‘thrilled’ to get back on the air with him, after his terrifying health scare that saw him diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer. Following a three-month break while Jamie, 54, endured treatment for his diagnosis, he returned to Heart Breakfast on 17 January.
During his time away from Heart, JK – real name Jason King – stood in for the much loved presenter, joining Amanda for her and Jamie’s regular breakfast slot. Jamie had announced his leave of absence in September, after concerned listeners noticed a change in his voice.
Jamie went on to get medical advice and was sent for tests. He confirmed the news on social media at the time, saying his prognosis was “very positive”, before thanking his employers the “Global family” for their support. Now, his friend Amanda has sad “it was a thrill to get Jamie back”, revealing the lifestyle changes he’s made after his “shock” diagnosis.
Speaking to the Mail, Amanda said: “He had a sore throat for weeks but it was still a shock when I got a text from his lovely wife Sophie saying it’s cancer. It was the worst possible outcome. But actually, after further examination, it was the best prognosis – he was stage one.”
She explained that she spoke to him “nearly every week”, but felt like she didn’t want to intrude as he “has a wonderful family”, so sent him a scarf, saying: “I have a lovely relationship with Sophie who is super strong and we take the mickey out of Jamie all the time.” Amanda added: “They kept his return as a surprise as they had to be sure he could talk for three and a half hours. He looks so much better. He’s on a vegetarian diet too. He’s got a different perspective on life as people who have survived cancer often do.”
Jamie announced the news to his social media followers, writing back in September: “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 (Jason King) and Amanda (Holden). Big thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.” He signed off: “Be thankful for this day, and when I next see you, I’ve got a great story to tell … Jamie x.”
It’s not the first of Amanda’s friends to be hit with a health scare over recent months, with her pal Davina McCall undergoing surgery to get a colloid cyst removed from her brain. Amanda admitted Davina’s diagnosis “knocked me for six”, but the Big Brother star is thankfully now on the mend.
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