BBC presenter Nick Owen is poised to make a screen comeback next week following surgery for prostate cancer.
Last month, the 75-year-old TV veteran disclosed his diagnosis, describing the cancer as ‘aggressive’ and ‘extensive.’
Reflecting on the day he received the cancer news in April, Nick called it ‘one of the worst’ days of his life.
But now, after undergoing treatment, he’s set to return to Midlands Today, appearing on the sofa one day a week as he continues to recover.
The presenter mentioned that he’s feeling ‘pretty good’ after a ‘turbulent’ period.
‘So, this marks a significant time for me.’
Having hosted the regional news program since 1997, Nick admitted that returning to air after an extended break would feel ‘rather unusual.’
He confessed, ‘I’m a bit anxious, but once I’ve done the first one, it’s like getting back on your bike; it should be fine. But the thought of it is slightly daunting.’
‘I think my heart will be beating a bit faster than usual.’
In a memorable segment, the presenter talked about a father and son who gained fame during lockdown for their TikTok videos, amassing 84 million views and catching the attention of high-profile fans like Beyonce and Jay-Z.
After initially mispronouncing Jay-Z as ‘Jay Zed,’ he quickly corrected himself, saying, ‘And when I said Jay-Z, you know I meant Jay-Z because I am seriously keeping up with the times.’
At the same time, he made the shaka sign with his right hand and raised an eyebrow.
Currently awaiting the results of his first PSA test since his surgery, a radical prostatectomy to remove the entire prostate gland, Nick said it was a ‘tense time’ waiting to hear if he had the all clear.
After speaking publicly about his illness in August, Nick also appeared on BBC Breakfast to urge more men to take part in prostate cancer screenings, which sparked an ‘astonishing response’ that left him ‘thrilled and moved.’
Prostate Cancer UK said sharing his diagnosis had made a sizeable impact, with Google searches for the condition increasing 254 per cent in the following 48 hours.
‘It was a massive release to be able to tell everyone what was going on so I didn’t have to keep it to myself anymore,’ Nick said.
‘If it’s done some good and it seems to have done, I’m absolutely thrilled. That was the whole purpose really, of telling the world.’
This year marks Nick’s 50th year in broadcasting, a career that began in 1973 as a news producer and later as sports editor for BBC’s local radio station Radio Birmingham.
Despite his long career, Nick assured viewers of his show earlier this year that he’s ‘in touch with current trends’ after a minor mispronunciation.
How common is prostate cancer and what are symptoms?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with around 52,300 men diagnosed with the condition every year, Cancer Research UK states.
It is more prevalent among older men, with around 35% of new cases every year diagnosed in men aged 75 and over.
Prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms in the early stages, the charity states. If it has already spread to other parts of the body, it can cause symptoms including back or bone pain that doesn’t go away with rest, tiredness and unexplained weight loss.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
Source My Celebrity Life.
