Radio 2 DJ Trevor Nelson taking break from broadcasting over health issues

Trevor Nelson has announced he is taking a break from broadcasting because of health issues.The BBC Radio 2 presenter and DJ, who has not been on air all week, said he was taking time out after being advised to go for medical tests following a routine check-up.The 62-year-old, who has spent a 30-year career at the BBC championing black music in the UK, broke the news on Instagram. “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,” he wrote. “Some of you may already have noticed that I’ve not been on my daily Radio 2 slot this week.“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.”Nelson, who has been a huge influence on R&B, soul and hip-hop broadcasting, received swift support from music and media figures. The musicians Stormzy and Alesha Dixon and fellow BBC radio presenter Lauren Laverne were among those to send messages.“Sending lots of love and keeping everything crossed for you,” said Laverne. “I know how that can feel – take it one step at a time and try not to jump ahead.”The singer Beverley Knight said: “Health. First and always.”Fellow singer Lemar said: “Big love Trev. Rest up.” The singer and presenter Fleur East wrote: “Take your time. Health is everything.”Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s director of music, 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.”This week Nelson received an award from the Television and Radio Industries Club in recognition of his broadcasting career. Earlier this year, he won the judge’s special recognition award at the Arias, the industry’s yearly awards.Listeners can still hear him present The Music Is Black concert from Hackney Empire on Sunday night on Radio 2, which was recorded last month.Nelson was awarded an MBE in 2002 for his work with Millennium Volunteers, a government-backed scheme encouraging young people to carry out community work.