The Full Story

A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.

BBC Radio 2 presenter and renowned DJ Trevor Nelson has revealed that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent a serious operation which he says has gone very well.

Nelson, 62, had stepped back from his Radio 2 show in June, citing health issues. In a social media post, he explained the reason: he had been told he had a brain tumour. He described his reaction, saying his whole world turned upside down. He knew he had to stop work because he could not be that person on the radio knowing what was happening inside his head.

After considering his options with doctors, Nelson had what he described as a very serious surgery a few weeks later. He confirmed the operation went incredibly well. He has been recovering at home, and has spent time watching the World Cup over the summer, playing golf, and going to the gym.

The Brain Tumour charity has praised Nelson for sharing his diagnosis, and it has stressed that support is always available for those affected. Nelson said he plans to be back on the radio very, very soon, bringing relief to his many fans who have followed his 30-year career at the BBC.

On screen

Stills are sampled automatically at 60-second intervals. Where shown, the still is the nearest available frame from the relevant broadcast segment and is included to show what was on screen during that part of the broadcast. A still may not correspond to the exact second of a quoted phrase.

ITV, ITV Evening News, 20 August 2026

Key Claims

Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.

Claim ITV
Nelson said the surgery went very well.
The Brain Tumour charity praised Nelson for sharing his diagnosis.
Trevor Nelson stepped back from his Radio 2 show in June due to health issues.

Channel Perspectives

What each channel focused on, with key quotes.

ITV

ITV's evening news presented the story as a positive health update, emphasising the successful surgery and Nelson's recovery. The report also highlighted his career and the praise from the Brain Tumour charity, and it reassured viewers that he would return to broadcasting soon. The tone was warm and supportive, with the presenters sending him well wishes.

Key Quotes:
  • “I knew I had to stop work because I couldn't be that guy on the radio knowing I had that going on.”
  • “The good news, Charlene, is that he said the surgery went incredibly well.”
  • “He says he's going to be back very, very soon.”

Broadcast Timeline

News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.

ITV Evening News