Amanda Holden offers update on Jamie Theakston after Heart Radio co-star's shock cancer diagnosis

Amanda Holden has given an update on her co-host Jamie Theakston after he confirmed his cancer diagnosis. The Heart Breakfast host announced last month that he had been diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer.

The 53-year-old said at the time his prognosis was "very positive" and that he was hoping to be back on air by October. Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda, also 53, has now told Good Morning Britain (GMB) that Jamie could be back on air with her by November.

"The good news is with Jamie is that it was stage one, and he's going to be absolutely fine," she said when asked about her co-host by GMB's Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.

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"I think the biggest challenge he faces now is with a voice and a speech therapist to get his voice back. So we are keeping everything crossed that he'll be with us, at least in November, I reckon, or for Christmas."

Amanda was on the early morning programme on Monday as she got ready to begin her Big Ride To Work challenge, cycling from her mother's house in Cornwall to the Heart studios in London over five days.

She said: "He (Theakston) always used to sit in the studio and do none of this. So now he's sat at home doing none of this." She added: "Oh my gosh, we miss him so much".

Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx, according to the NHS website, and symptoms include pain when swallowing, a lump or swelling in the neck and a persistent sore throat.

Before he announced his diagnosis, Jamie thanked radio listeners who had noticed a difference in his voice, which prompted him to get it checked.

Singer and radio presenter Emma Bunton and BBC TV and radio presenter Amol Rajan were among the famous faces who wished the radio presenter well after he announced that a biopsy had identified cancer.

Jamie has been a fixture on the airwaves and small screen over the years, having presented children's show Live & Kicking alongside Zoe Ball and Top Of The Pops.