BBC presenter Lauren Laverne has the all-clear from cancer, she has confirmed in an emotional update.
Lauren, 46, announced in August that she had been diagnosed with cancer, which she said was caught “early and unexpectedly during a screening test”.
But now she’s delivered a huge update to her social media pages, posting a smiling snap of herself wearing a jumper emblazoned with the words: “Life is beautiful.”
She wrote: “Well hello there! Just a quick update from me to say that after taking some time off to get better I’ve had the all clear and will be back to work on your TV this Tuesday with the wonderful @bbctheoneshow team.
“I’ve also been working on some new #DesertIslandDiscs episodes (which will air soon @BBCRadio4 @BBCSounds) and am looking forward to returning to @BBC6Music in the New Year.
Lauren added: “I want to say a huge thank you to the brilliant medical teams who took such great care of me, to the thousands of people who sent me such beautiful and encouraging messages, the friends and acquaintances who took the time to support me after going through cancer themselves – and most of all to my family: my two astounding kids and especially my husband Graeme, who was absolutely extraordinary throughout. It’s been a difficult time but one that has taught me so much about what really matters.
“I can’t say I suddenly regretted never having hiked the Inca Trail, more that I now see more beauty in ordinary things than I could have imagined, and feel more than ever that the small things in life – the connections we make and care we take with each other – are the big things really.
“I have so much to be grateful for and excited about, and that is thanks to everyone mentioned above. Loads of love to anyone going through cancer treatment or supporting a loved one through it. See you soon and thanks again for the well wishes. Xx”
Fans and Lauren’s celeb pals jumped into the comments section to congratulate her on her exciting news, with Davina McCall – who recently had surgery to remove a brain tumour – writing: “There she is. Hope you and your fam are all doing okay! Love u Lauren.”
Clara Amfo added: “Yes friend!!!” as Coronation Street star Sally Carman wrote: “Wonderful!”
One fan wrote: “Brilliant news Lauren and welcome back!” and someone else agreed: “Huge congratulations, Lauren. What a thing to go through – so glad you’re out the other side now. Sending you loads of love and fun adventures ahead.”
Originally announcing her diagnosis in August, Lauren didn’t disclose what type of cancer she had, but posted an emotional message to fans.
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.
“I’m in hospital at the moment and wanted to take this moment to say thank you: Firstly to the medical teams who have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness. To my family and friends who have been absolutely extraordinary every step of the way – I am so very grateful and love you so much. 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.
“I also want to say that if you’re avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get yourself checked out please, please do it today. 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.”