Broadcaster Lauren Laverne said it has been a “tough week” for her family after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Desert Island Disc host confirmed she is expected to make a “full recovery” after announcing her cancer was “caught early and unexpectedly during a screening test”.
In an Instagram update, Laverne told her followers it had been a “tough week” but was focusing on something positive, sharing a photograph of her son Fergus who was “off to film school after smashing his GCSEs”.
“It’s been a tough week for our family (thank you so much for all the lovely messages – I think it will take the rest of my recovery to process them!) but some really great news today,” the 46-year-old said.
“I don’t post pics of my kids usually but as this guy is now almost 17 and off to film school after smashing his GCSEs today I think I’ll allow myself to say: well done, Ferg.
“We are all so very proud of you and the clever, funny, kind, creative boy you are. Great taste in music too.”
It comes a day after Laverne confirmed she was in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.
Alongside a photograph of her smiling from a hospital bed, she wrote: “Right then, some personal news… I recently had a cancer diagnosis.
“It was (thank God) caught early and unexpectedly during a screening test, and I am expected to make a full recovery.”
The BBC presenter thanked the medical teams who have been caring for her with “incredible skill and kindness” while she is receiving treatment in hospital.
She also praised her family and friends who have been “absolutely extraordinary every step of the way”.
“I am so very grateful and love you so much,” she added.
“And of course thank you to my colleagues – including those at @itg_ltd, @bbc6music, @bbctheoneshow and #DesertIslandDiscs for their support – and for giving me the time off that I need to get better.”
Laverne used the post to encourage others to get checked out, if they are avoiding an appointment or getting a test.
She added: “Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything.
“It’s usually my job to bring the good vibes on air but any you have to spare are very much welcome here.
“Sending loads of love to anyone in a similar boat, or who has made it back to shore.”
Among the famous faces wishing her a speedy recovery were presenters Myleene Klass, Gabby Logan, Clara Amfo and Dermot O’Leary.
Laverne began filling in for Scottish broadcaster Kirsty Young as BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs host in 2018 after Young had to step away due to health issues.
She later permanently took over the role and has interviewed the likes of Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett, Stanley Tucci, and Steven Spielberg over the years.
Laverne is also the host of the BBC Radio 6 Music breakfast show and previously presented a variety of TV shows including Channel 4’s 10 O’Clock Live.
She rose to fame as the lead singer of ’90s pop punk bank Kenickie.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here