Broadcaster Lauren Laverne has shared that she has been given the “all clear” following cancer treatment, expressing that the experience has profoundly taught her “so much about what really matters” in life.
The 46-year-old BBC presenter announced on Instagram on Sunday that she will return to The One Show on Tuesday after taking time off to focus on her recovery.
Reflecting on her journey, Laverne said she now believes “more than ever that the small things in life—the connections we make and the care we take with each other—are the big things really.”
Laverne, who is also the host of BBC Radio 6 Music’s breakfast show and Desert Island Discs on Radio 4, first revealed her cancer diagnosis in August.
At the time, she shared that the cancer had been caught early and that she was optimistic about making a full recovery.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Laverne thanked the “brilliant medical teams who took such great care of me” and expressed gratitude for the “thousands of people who sent me such beautiful and encouraging messages.”
She gave special thanks to her family, including her husband, Graeme, and their two children, noting: “Most of all [thank you] to my family: my two astounding kids and especially my husband Graeme, who was absolutely extraordinary throughout.”
She acknowledged that while the experience was challenging, it offered her new perspectives: “It’s been a difficult time but one that has taught me so much about what really matters.
I can’t say I suddenly regretted never having hiked the Inca Trail, more that I now see more beauty in ordinary things than I could have imagined.”
The post included a photo of Laverne wearing a jumper emblazoned with the phrase: “Life is beautiful.”
She also used the opportunity to urge anyone delaying medical screenings or appointments to prioritize their health, revealing that her cancer was discovered “unexpectedly during a screening test.” She has not disclosed the type of cancer she was diagnosed with.
Laverne took over as the permanent host of Desert Island Discs in 2018 after filling in for Kirsty Young. In her role, she has interviewed notable figures such as Cillian Murphy, Steven Spielberg, Rebel Wilson, Delia Smith, Kate Mosse, and John Legend.
Her broadcasting career includes presenting BBC Two’s The Culture Show and Channel 4’s 10 O’Clock Live. Before her television and radio work, Laverne was the singer and guitarist for the 1990s alternative rock band Kenickie.
A BBC spokesperson shared their enthusiasm about Laverne’s return, stating: “We’re delighted to welcome Lauren back to the studio this month for The One Show and Desert Island Discs, with new episodes airing on Radio 4 from 1 December, and we look forward to welcoming Lauren back to BBC Radio 6 Music in the new year.”
