Lauren Laverne has made a triumphant return to BBC Radio 6 Music after taking a hiatus due to a cancer diagnosis. The 46-year-old DJ temporarily stepped away from her morning show last August following her health concerns. Despite this, Laverne made brief appearances on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs and BBC One’s The One Show during her absence. In January, she confirmed that Nick Grimshaw, a former BBC Radio 1 host, would be taking over her breakfast slot on 6 Music, allowing her to transition to a mid-morning schedule.
Excitement filled the air as Laverne prepared to kick off her new programme at 10 am. She shared her feelings of anticipation with Grimshaw, expressing, “It feels fantastic, I’ve been so excited, it’s… nervous energy (and) just excitement to get going.” The seasoned broadcaster also mentioned doing run-through shows to familiarise herself with the technical aspects of the studio. With a mix of nervousness and jubilation, Laverne officially returned to the airwaves with a sense of gratitude, thanking Grimshaw for his sensational breakfast show.
Laverne’s first track on her mid-morning show was Ezra Collective’s “Body Language,” which set the tone for her comeback show. She expressed her gratitude for the warm reception, stating, “It is wonderful to be here, back in a place that feels most like home to me.” The beloved DJ’s infectious energy and enthusiasm shone through as she engaged with her audience, asking what she had missed during her six-month absence.
Amidst her return, Laverne shared a heartwarming moment with her audience on Instagram, showcasing the “good luck flowers” she received from friends before her comeback. The community eagerly welcomed her back to the airwaves, eagerly anticipating the “comeback tunes” promised by the dynamic presenter. Meanwhile, Nick Grimshaw embarked on his new role as the host of the breakfast show on 6 Music, acknowledging his initial nerves but embracing the challenge ahead.
In a joyous announcement back in November, Laverne disclosed that she had received the “all clear” following her health hiatus, signalling a positive turn of events. Taking over the mid-morning slot previously held by Mary Anne Hobbs, Laverne expressed her eagerness to reconnect with listeners and embark on this new chapter. As she settles back into her routine, fans can look forward to more engaging content and her signature style on BBC Radio 6 Music.
The transition to the mid-morning slot signifies a fresh start for Laverne, who is thrilled to be back behind the microphone. Her return not only marks a personal triumph but also resonates with her loyal audience who have eagerly awaited her comeback. With Laverne’s infectious energy and musical expertise, BBC Radio 6 Music listeners can anticipate a renewed sense of vitality and excitement in the mid-morning airwaves.