Trevor Nelson celebrated working 30 years at the BBC in February
ByPaul GlynnCulture reporter
BBC DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson has announced he is to take “a little break” from all work due to health issues.
The Radio 2 and 1Xtra presenter, who has been off air this week, did not go into detail about his diagnosis but told his Instagram followers, external that, on doctor’s orders, he was now “concentrating on getting better”.
Earlier this year, the influential 62-year-old celebrated 30 years at the BBC, where he has championed black music in the UK.
The BBC’s director of music, Lorna Clarke said: “Everyone at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1Xtra wishes Trevor a very speedy recovery and we all look forward to him returning to his shows whenever he is ready.”
Nelson, known for his love of R&B, soul and hip-hop, explained: “I wanted to let my followers, radio listeners and all my Soul Nation party-people know that I’m going to be taking a little break from my work commitments.
“Some of you may already have noticed that I’ve not been on my daily Radio 2 slot this week.”
He continued: “After a routine check-up I was advised to have some follow up tests. As a result, I will be taking some further time off. As I’m sure you can appreciate with health issues, it’s important to deal with facts and not speculate.
“So I’m concentrating on getting better, being back to 100% me and to getting back behind the mic and the decks.”
Earlier this week, Nelson received a special prize at the Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) Awards, recognising his broadcasting career across radio and television.
Messages of support from music stars including Stormzy, Beverley Knight, Jools Holland and Alesha Dixon have been flooding in to the replies on social media.
“Health. First and always,” noted singer Knight.
Another performer, Lemar, offered: “Big love Trev. Rest up.” While singer and presenter Fleur East wrote: “Take your time. Health is everything.”
Fellow broadcasters Clara Amfo, Tony Blackburn, Romesh Ranganatha and Lauren Laverne also sent their support.
Laverne of 6 Music and Radio 4 said: “Sending lots of love and keeping everything crossed for you. I know how that can feel – take it one step at a time and try not to jump ahead.”
Vernon Kay paid tribute on his show on Friday, saying: “Everyone at BBC Radio 2, including the mid-morning show are sending Trevor all the very very best wishes, we absolutely love him to bits.
“He’s a stalwart broadcaster within the UK – I played golf with him a couple of weeks ago and he was in a buoyant mood. And I know that this challenge is something that Trevor is gonna face head on.
“So Trevor we are sending you all our love and hopefully see you on the links very soon my friend.”
Nelson presents a weekday afternoon show on Radio 2 and appears on 1Xtra every Sunday morning.
The BBC is set to announce on Monday who will deputise for him during his time off.
Image source, PANelson’s work was celebrated at the Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) awards earlier this week
The London-born DJ kicked off his career with the Madhatter sound system, putting on warehouse parties.
He then worked for pirate radio station Kiss FM in London, becoming a director once the station went legal.
He became known for his Soul II Soul Sunday night jam at the Africa Centre.
His friendship with frontman Jazzie B saw them set up a second Soul II Soul shop in London.
Working as a promotions manager at Cooltempo (EMI Records), Nelson championed acts like 90s US hip-hop group Arrested Development and Gang Starr.
After 10 years with Kiss FM, he moved to Radio 1 in 1996 to present Rhythm Nation.
Two-time best DJ winner at the Mobo Awards, Nelson also went on to host the ceremony alongside Kelis and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
Moving into television, he presented MTV’s black music shows The Lick and The Lick Chart before the BBC gave him his own shows, Trevor Nelson’s Urban Choice and The Lowdown.
As well as hosting stages at the Notting Hill Carnival for Radio 1, Nelson also released the compilation albums Pure Grooves and INCredible Sound Of Trevor Nelson.
He has also presented the MTV Europe Music Awards and the Prince’s Trust Urban Music Festival.
In 2002, Nelson received an MBE for his contribution to the Millennium Volunteers programme.
Listeners can hear him present The Music Is Black concert, recorded at Hackney Empire last month, on Sunday night on Radio 2.