DJ Bob Harris says prostate cancer spread to his spine

BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris has announced his prostate cancer has spread to his spine, but that he is "now on the pathway to recovery".

The DJ, who has presented The Country Show on the station since 1999, said the last few weeks had been "an extremely testing time".

Writing on Instagram, he said he had recently spent time in hospital, with doctors "trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back".

"Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine," he said. "Really frightening news."

Harris said he immediately began a course of radiotherapy after the diagnosis, which meant spending two weeks in hospital "to bring things back under control".

"Thankfully I'm back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day."

He said he had started a programme of rehab, and thanked his family for "being here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life".

Harris said Radio 2 had been "supportive beyond words", adding that he would be returning to the station as soon as he was able.

He said he hoped to return to his country music show, as well as his other programme Sounds of the 70s, in May, adding: "I absolutely cannot wait to be back."

Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny have been hosting the shows in his absence.

The station recently celebrated Harris's 80th birthday with a special pre-recorded conversation between him and former breakfast host Zoe Ball.

Commenting on Harris's post, BBC Radio 2 said: "We can't wait to have you back. Get well soon Bob!"

Fellow presenter Trevor Nelson added: "Hope to hear you back on air soon mate. I know how much you live it and we're missing you."

Lauren Laverne said she was "sending lots of love" and wish Harris good luck with the treatment, while Keaveny wrote: "We can't wait to get you back when you're fully rested."

Harris has been presenting on the BBC for more than five decades, and has previously hosted The Old Grey Whistle Test as well as programmes on BBC Radio Oxford and Radio 1.