Danny Kelly gives cancer diagnosis update live on talkSPORT with ‘hard road’ ahead

talkSPORT’s Danny Kelly announced his throat cancer diagnosis live on air earlier this year, and has now shared an update on his treatment after being hospitalised

A radio presenter who broke the news of his cancer diagnosis live on air has shared a health update from his hospital bed after stepping away from the microphone. talkSPORT’s Danny Kelly revealed his throat cancer diagnosis to listeners earlier this year.

The 69-year-old fronted the much-loved Trans-Europe Express on Sunday nights and was a regular presence on Hawksbee and Jacobs. He told listeners: “I need to talk plainly to you all now because the majority of our listeners, better or worse, are men. And men are often very difficult people to talk about and talk to and talk with about medical issues.

“So I don’t intend to mince my words here. I’m going to tell you that I am a sick man. Six weeks ago, I went to the doctor, hat on the side of my head, something going on with my eating. I thought it was probably acid reflux and he would give me a big bag of Gaviscon. Other tablets are available. Instead, it turns out that I have cancer.

“To be specific, I have cancer of the oesophagus, a really dangerous thing. Now look, that’s the bad news. The less bad news, because it isn’t really good news, is that after another long series of tests, after a very tense three or four weeks waiting for results, the medics say that the thing hasn’t spread inside my body and that they can and they will help me.

“What I’m facing, to be truthful with you all again, is a tough and lengthy programme of treatment. There will be chemicals, there will be surgery, and there will be chemicals again.

“It is a hard road, but one that the doctors are hopeful that will see me emerge recovered and healthy at the far end. Now, obviously, there will be times during this, whole stretches of time where I won’t be fit to broadcast.

“But I want to say here that talkSPORT have been absolutely amazing about this, as I guess they would be, and they will let me decide when and if I’m okay to talk to you.

“I want to do that and broadcast onwardly because I enjoy it, because I need to have something to look forward into the future, and because therefore, at a time when my physical health’s under attack, it will help my mental health. And I thank them for the opportunity they’ve given me to makeup my mind about that.

“Now, look, this isn’t just about me. I’ve learned something really incredibly important in the last few weeks. I think I knew it, but it’s been nailed home to me.

“If you feel something just isn’t right in your body, I don’t mean you’ve got a hangnail or a bit of earwax or something, but if you know something is not quite right in your body, for God’s sake, go to the doctor. Get yourself checked out.

“99% of the time, it will be nothing. But if it is something, the sooner it’s caught, the better the chance of getting it sorted out. Get yourself checked out.

“So that’s it, my friends. You’ll be hearing me less and less regularly as I concentrate on letting the fabulous medical people do their stuff.

“Meanwhile, your prayers, best wishes, positive vibes, whatever you can, will be gratefully accepted.”

In a recent string of updates on X, Danny posted tonight: “First off, forgive me for the month-long radio silence. I’ve not been in great shape. I’ll explain here, not for drama or sympathy, but cos I said from the start I’d be honest….

“I’ve done the four blasts of chemo. Each one has been followed by hospitalisation with side effects and worse. After the last chemo 3 weeks ago, I began to feel worse and worse passing in and out of consciousness AandE in Dublin. They stuck a camera down my throat.

“Internal bleeding from the shrinking tumour and from a pair of previous unknown ulcers. Luckily that night, BOTH of Ireland’s best gut surgeons were on duty. They stopped the bleeding. Couple of days ago, a nurse described their intervention as ‘life and death.’ I am lucky.

“Now I’m home again. Weak as a kitten but grateful again for all of your support. I’ve got a long road ahead, recovering from multiple downturns, to be ready for my next op.”

Kelly has been with talkSPORT since 2007. Away from his broadcasting commitments, Kelly is a highly respected journalist most famous for editing the music and pop culture magazine NME from the late 1980s until 1992, plus Q magazine.

The devoted Tottenham supporter has also contributed to The Times and presents Spurs podcast, View from the Lane.

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