BBC TV presenter Nick Owen will return to Midlands Today this evening after surgery for aggressive prostate cancer.
The 75-year-old, who celebrates 50 years in broadcasting in November, was told he had the disease in April.
But now, after what he described as ‘one of the worst days of his life’ he said he was ‘feeling good’ and looking forward to be back.
Nick, who was interviewed about his journey on Thursday, said: “”I’m a bit fragile still but so much better than I’ve been in the last few months.
“So this is a landmark time for me.”
Nick has hosted the regional news programme since 1997 and said he thought going back on air after an extended break would feel ‘quite strange’.
He added: “I’m slightly apprehensive, but once I’ve done the first one it’s like the old getting back on your bike again, it should be fine.
“But it is slightly daunting, the thought of it.
“I think my heart will be beating that little bit faster than usual.”
He is awaiting the results of his first PSA test since the operation, which he hopes will give him the all clear.
“It’s a bit of a tense time waiting to hear,” he said.
Nick’s career
Nick is famous for his TV work, in particular co-hosting BBC One programme Good Morning with Anne and Nick with Anne Diamond in the 1990s.
On BBC Breakfast he urged more men to take part in prostate cancer screenings and, when speaking publicly in August about his illness, thanked everyone for their ‘astonishing response’.
He added: “It was a massive release to be able to tell everyone what was going on so I didn’t have to keep it to myself any more.”
Prostate Cancer UK said the broadcaster’s revelation had made a sizeable impact, with Google searches for the condition increasing 254 per cent in the following 48 hours.
The number of contacts made to specialist nurses also increased, the charity added.
“If it’s done some good and it seems to have done, I’m absolutely thrilled. That was the whole purpose really, of telling the world,” he said.
