Revealed: The moments which caused concern with Jamie Theakston's fans

by · Mail Online

Jamie Theakston saw a doctor after fans expressed concern about his changing voice on his radio show, weeks before being diagnosed with throat cancer.

The Heart FM star, 53, revealed his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday, after sharing that viewers first noticed there was something not quite right with his voice.

In an Instagram post on September 1, Jamie shared he had got himself checked out after some of his listeners had noticed something wasn't quite right with his voice. 

He added that doctors learned that there was a 'lesion on his vocal chords,' which they removed, but just two weeks later, was told he had stage one laryngeal cancer

Jamie - who is married to Sophie Siegle - wrote on Instagram at the time: 'Sooo - a few of you listeners have noticed my  voice hasn't sounded right these paast few weeks - I've got you to thank.

Jamie Theakston saw a doctor after fans expressed concern about his voice, weeks before being diagnosed with throat cancer (pictured in a Heart DM clip with Zoe Hardman)
The Heart FM star revealed his diagnosis on Tuesday, after sharing that viewers first noticed there was something not quite right with his voice over the summer
In an Instagram post on September 1, Jamie shared he had got himself checked out after some of his listeners had noticed something wasn't quite right with his voice 

'Got it checked. Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I've had removed this weekend - thanks for all the kind messages - should be back on my feet soon - in the meantime...' and finished the post with a zip-up mouth emoji. 

Previous posts on Heart FM's Instagram account showed fans expressing concern for Jamie's voice, with one comment under a clip from August 22 saying: 'Jamie you need to sort your bad throat out.' 

Jamie also appeared in a clip posted on August 23, where he and Zoe announced the winners of a £30,000 giveaway. 

Since his September 1 post, Jamie has been absent from his presenting role at Heart FM, and on Tuesday, he shared that following a biopsy, doctors told him he has stage one throat cancer.

He said: 'Hi folks, as you know - I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords.

'The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer. 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 and Amanda.

'Huge thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive. Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I'll have a great story to tell.' 

Previous posts on Heart FM's Instagram showed fans expressing concern for Jamie's voice, with one comment under a clip saying: 'Jamie you need to sort your bad throat out'

According to the NHS, symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a change in your voice, such as sounding hoarse, pain when swallowing, a lump or swelling in your neck, a long-lasting cough or breathlessness, a persistent sore throat or earache and in the most severe cases, difficulty breathing. 

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Warning signs of laryngeal cancer after Jamie Theakston's shock diagnosis

In the UK, there are more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer each year. The condition is more common in people over the age of 60, and it's more common in men than women.

Soon after Jamie's news, his Heart Breakfast co-host Amanda Holden wrote: 'Our wonderful @jamie.theakston has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer. 

'His prognosis is very good and he has an incredible team around him. Jamie. We love and miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon. 

'With @sophietheakstonjewellery, your gorgeous boys, Us and the entire nation with you.. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS ❤️.' 

Since his post, Jamie has been absent from his presenting role at Heart FM, and on Tuesday, he shared that following a biopsy, doctors told him he has stage one throat cancer 

What is laryngeal cancer?

According to the NHS website, Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the larynx (voice box).

The larynx is part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea). It plays an important role in helping you breathe and speak.

In the UK, there are more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer each year.

The condition is more common in people over the age of 60. It's more common in men than women.

Jamie first shot to fame back in the mid-90s, becoming known for presenting children's programme Live & Kicking alongside Zoe Ball from 1996, before going on to host popular music show Top of the Pops in 1999.

After becoming a household name, the star's TV career continued with big hosting gigs on the BBC including music quiz show A Question Of Pop, coverage of Glastonbury and The Millennium.

He soon moved over to Channel 4 where he rejoined Zoe to front The Priory - mix of celebrity chat, gossip and games - for three successful series. 

Jamie's other TV credits include The Games, The People's Quiz, Beg Borrow or Steal and With A Little Help From My Friends.

These days, Jamie is also known for his impressive radio career, with the star currently fronting his Heart FM national breakfast show alongside Amanda.

His radio career saw him starting over on Radio 5 Live, before switching over to BBC Radio 1 in 1999 to host the Sunday Lunch show.