Trevor Nelson has revealed that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent what he described as “very serious surgery,” according to NME.
The BBC Radio 2 and Radio 1Xtra presenter said he stepped back from work in June after a routine check-up led to more tests. At the time, he did not explain the reason for his absence and told listeners he was focusing on getting better.
In a video posted to Instagram on August 20, Nelson said he decided to speak publicly after fans showed support and speculation grew about why he was away. He said the discovery of the tumour came as a shock and that it turned his life upside down.
Nelson said the surgery went incredibly well and added that he feels great, energized, and ready to come back. He thanked listeners for their support and said he would be back on the radio very soon, while his BBC colleague Clara Amfo praised his surgeons in the comments.
Before his break, Nelson hosted a weekday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 and a Sunday morning program on 1Xtra. He marked 30 years at the BBC earlier in 2026.
