Trevor Nelson has returned to BBC Radio 2 after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour earlier this summer.
The presenter was back in the studio today to host his weekday afternoon show, marking his first appearance on the programme since stepping away from work commitments earlier this year.
Trevor announced in June that he would be taking a break, before revealing on Instagram last month that he had undergone surgery for a brain tumour and was recovering.
Opening his return show, Trevor told listeners: “Well, I’ve missed that jingle, have you? I’ve missed sitting in this seat. I’ve missed being in this studio, being on the eighth floor of BBC Broadcasting House.”
He then added: “Being on the best radio station in the world. And missed you most of all. 2 till 4, weekday afternoons. Boy, have I missed you guys.”
Trevor chose Welcome Back from John Sebastian as one of his first tracks back on air, followed by Uptight by Stevie Wonder, later joking after the Stevie Wonder track: “I feel that way, everything’s alright uptight!”
Speaking about his return, Trevor said: “I’m so happy to be here in the studio, sat on this chair, on the 8th floor, scanning the studio as ever, being a naughty, immature man, and back on the best radio station ever.”
He also spoke about the support he had received during what he described as an “emotional and very difficult summer”, thanking his close friends and family, his management and his wife Pri.
Trevor also thanked Radio 2 listeners for their messages and support, saying: “It feels weird saying that people who I don’t know have helped me massively, all the listeners, all the love has been overwhelming and insane.”
He revealed that returning to the programme today had been a personal target, explaining: “This date was a target for me to come back on air. I was bugging my doctor. ‘Can I get back, do you reckon it will be so soon?’ But I’ve made it back.”
Trevor said he would be on air Monday and Wednesday this week, with his schedule being gradually increased, adding that next week he hoped to be back for more shows.
He also confirmed that he will not be able to attend Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling this weekend, despite hoping to return in time for the event.
“The one thing I am a bit gutted about I have to say, is that I’m not going to Stirling,” Trevor said, before confirming that Radio 2 would reflect the action live on air.
He also thanked DJ Spoony, Clara Amfo and Mark Goodier for covering his afternoon programme during his absence, adding: “Very happy that Clara is now part of the Radio 2 family.”