Amanda Holden has shared an update on her colleague Jamie Theakston’s battle with stage one laryngeal cancer, revealing that he is currently undergoing speech therapy. The 53-year-old TV and radio presenter announced his cancer diagnosis last month but remains optimistic about his recovery, aiming to return to the airwaves as early as October. Holden, a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, expressed her confidence in Theakston’s well-being, stating that he will be “absolutely fine.”
During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB), Holden mentioned that Theakston is facing the challenge of working with a voice and speech therapist to regain his voice. She mentioned, “So we are keeping everything crossed that he’ll be with us, at least in November, I reckon, or for Christmas.” Holden also spoke about her ‘Big Ride To Work’ challenge, a five-day cycling journey from her mother’s home in Cornwall to the Heart studios in London.
Holden expressed how much they miss Theakston’s presence in the studio, highlighting his absence since starting his cancer treatment. Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx and can manifest with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, neck lumps, and persistent throat discomfort. Before his diagnosis, Theakston acknowledged the concern of radio listeners who noticed changes in his voice, prompting him to seek medical attention.
Celebrities including singer and presenter Emma Bunton and BBC’s Amol Rajan have extended their well-wishes to Theakston following his cancer revelation. With a longstanding career in broadcasting, Theakston has been a familiar face on children’s television shows like Live & Kicking and Top Of The Pops alongside co-hosts such as Zoe Ball.
Holden’s supportive words and Theakston’s determination to overcome this health challenge have been met with encouragement and positivity from fans and colleagues alike. The ongoing updates on Theakston’s progress continue to inspire hope and resilience within the entertainment industry and beyond.