TV presenter Nick Owen reveals cancer diagnosis

Virgin Radio

8 Aug 2023, 08:23

BBC presenter Nick Owen has announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and has undergone surgery.

The 75-year-old has been a broadcaster since the 1970s, and is well known for fronting shows such as Good Morning Britain and Good Morning with Anne and Nick. He co-hosted the latter alongside Anne Diamond. 

The TV star has revealed that he was informed by doctors in April of an “extensive and aggressive” cancer diagnosis.

Nick, who has taken a leave of absence from BBC Midlands Today - which he has hosted since 1997 - plans to return to work in the autumn.

Speaking to Midlands Today, the TV presenter explained that he went to a specialist but “wasn’t too worried”. However, the a scan revealed that there was “something dodgy going on.” Nick was then sent for a biopsy, and said: "The results of that were the killer.”

He continued: “I had prostate cancer full-on, and something needed to be done pretty fast. And that was probably the worst day of my life, or certainly one of them.”

Describing learning of the results as “a very grim moment” he added: “It was a very, very difficult time for me, and indeed for my wife, Vicki, who was by my side all the time through this.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “Nick has been one of the faces of Midlands Today for more than 25 years. Our viewers and his colleagues have missed him dearly in recent weeks. We can’t wait to welcome him back to the studio as soon as he’s ready. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

As well as being a familiar face to morning TV viewers, Nick is also a keen football fan, and was the chairman of Luton Town between 2008 and 2017. Sports fans will recall that he was a presenter for ITV Sport in the late 80s and early 90s, presenting Midweek Sport Special and coverage of the 1988 Olympic Games, Euro 88 and the 1990 World Cup.