BBC Radio 2 presenter replaced last minute as host flooded with support

Tony Blackburn was forced to pull out of his Golden Hour show on Sunday night. The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 82, revealed at the weekend he would be unable to fulfill his hosting duties due to ill health. His colleague Shaun Keavney had to step in at the last minute, the broadcaster revealed. Tony has since taken to social media today (March 18) and issued an update.

Uploading a video he shared that he is currently working to get his voice back after he caught the “dreaded virus”. Tony said, “I’ve been sitting outside and just getting my voice back. It’s taking a long time this time. This virus that is going round does take a little bit of time to clear but gradually getting there.”

Sharing some good news he said: “Looking forward to seeing you in Ipswich on Tuesday. So I’m resting today and resting tomorrow. Then back on Thursday and looking forward to seeing you on the weekend.”

Tony was swiftly flooded with messages of support as one wrote: “Glad you are feeling better Tony.” Another commented: “Take care! You are a legend so you need all your strength! look forward to hearing you on Saturday morning hopefully.”

A third warned: “Take care. And don’t rush back. I know you have shows to do but please take care of yourself.”

His candid update comes just days after he was forced to pull out of his radio show at the weekend.

Tony currently presents two shows on BBC Radio 2 including “Sounds of the 60s” on Saturday mornings and “Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour” on Sunday nights.

Taking to the micro-blogging platform on Saturday (March 15) the host shared he was forced to pull out of his slot.

Tony said: “Here is this morning’s show but unfortunately during the week I got the dreaded virus which is going around so my voice has said goodbye for a day or so so I won’t be doing tomorrow’s Golden Hour but back next weekend.”

In a follow up message he shared: “Thanks Shaun for stepping in at the last moment and doing such a great show,” before sharing a link to the broadcast.

Tony’s 120,000 followers rushed to comment on the post as one said: “You did sound poorly this morning. Get better soon.”

Another penned: “Get well soon Tony, a true legend of the airwaves.”

The popular presenter is expected to make a return to his radio show this weekend.