Lauren Laverne is stepping down from the BBC Radio 6 Music Breakfast Show after six years of presenting the programme, after having a “tricky time” last year due to her cancer diagnosis.
Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Nick Grimshaw will take over hosting the slot in February, when Laverne will return to mid-mornings, presenting a new weekday programme.
Laverne appeared on the breakfast show on Thursday, when Grimshaw was hosting, and said: “It’s wonderful to be here, good to be back. I’m doing really, really well, it’s been a tricky time, and I’ve missed everybody so much.”
She thanked listeners for the “messages of love and support”, and spoke about the last time she was in the studio in August.
Laverne said: “I’d had my cancer diagnosis, I knew that I was going to be having an operation sort of imminently, and to walk out of the studio door and then come back in four months later, healthy (and) still obviously recovering.
“And anyone who’s been through cancer knows it takes quite a long time to fully get back to where you were, but it’s very exciting to be back and to be here.”
Grimshaw, 40, said he “missed her as a Lauren Laverne fan”, and was “so nervous” and “really apprehensive to cover” for her.
Laverne, 46, thanked Grimshaw for stepping in, and told him he had been “absolutely incredible”.
She added that being back to work “part time” in November for The One Show and recording Desert Island Discs has been “lovely”, and it is “good” to be back on Radio 6 Music.
Laverne said in a statement: “As listeners will know, I had a really tough 2024 and worried at times that I wouldn’t be able to return to the station I love so much.
“It has been a huge honour (and so much fun) to host the Breakfast Show for six wonderful years, but it is time to pass the baton on, and to set my alarm a little later.
“During my recovery I learned all over again about the power of music, the people you surround yourself with and the emotional support and joy radio can provide.
“I’m so grateful to be able to get back to doing what I love and sharing those things with our brilliant listeners every day.”
Laverne revealed in November that she had been given the “all clear” after being absent from the studios for around three months.
In a later Instagram post she thanked listeners and said she “can’t wait to get started” on her new mid-morning show.
Laverne said: “Thank you for all the kind messages of encouragement and support today, and for listening to our station.
“We’re all so lucky and proud to be part of it.”
Many of the DJ’s celebrity friends responded to the post, including Norfolk-born singer and TV star Myleene Klass, who replied: “Wild times ahead Lala. Looking forward to staying up past 10pm with you.
“Well done my love.”
Dance duo The Chemical Brothers, Ride singer and former Oasis bass player Andy Bell and DJ Erol Alkan were also among the well-known faces wishing the presenter well.
Grimshaw has been stepping in regularly for Laverne along with Nemone Metaxas and Deb Grant on Radio 6 Music after she took a break in August.
BBC Radio 6 Music mid-mornings host Mary Anne Hobbs will be taking a sabbatical from mid-February as Laverne takes over her slot and will return to the station in the spring with a new show.
Hobbs thanked listeners for “sharing your invaluable time with me”.
Laverne told Radio 6 Music: “I cannot wait to hear that new show, it’s going to be extraordinary as always, and Mary Anne was the first person in my inbox this morning to say good luck for today and send lots of love.
“She’s just the most wonderful person, as well as a brilliant broadcaster.”
Radio DJ Metaxas will present the Breakfast Show in the interim, from Monday.
Laverne and Grimshaw’s new programmes will begin in February.
