Lauren Laverne Passes the Baton: Radio Host Bids Farewell to BBC 6 Music Breakfast Show After Cancer Battle
Paul Riverbank, 1/10/2025Lauren Laverne, after battling cancer, steps down from BBC Radio 6 Music's Breakfast Show, handing over to Nick Grimshaw as she transitions to mid-mornings.
Lauren Laverne, the esteemed radio host, has decided to step down from her role as the Breakfast Show presenter on BBC Radio 6 Music after a six-year tenure -- a decision that comes on the heels of a "tricky time" she faced last year following her cancer diagnosis. In her own words, shared during an appearance on the breakfast show hosted by her successor, Nick Grimshaw, Laverne expressed, "It's wonderful to be here, good to be back. I'm doing really, really well, it's been a tricky time, and I've missed everybody so much."
The transition will see Grimshaw, the former BBC Radio 1 presenter, taking the reins of the Breakfast Show come February, while Laverne embarks on a new chapter, returning to mid-mornings with a brand-new weekday programme. Reflecting on her journey, Laverne candidly shared, "I'd had my cancer diagnosis, I knew that I was going to be having an operation sort of imminently, and to walk out of the studio door and then come back in four months later, healthy (and) still obviously recovering. And anyone who's been through cancer knows it takes quite a long time to fully get back to where you were, but it's very exciting to be back and to be here."
Grimshaw, 40, admitted to feeling "so nervous" and "really apprehensive to cover" for Laverne, a sentiment that underscores the esteem in which she is held. Laverne, 46, graciously thanked him for his efforts, praising him as being "absolutely incredible". She also mentioned that returning to work "part time" in November for The One Show and recording Desert Island Discs has been "lovely", and it feels "good" to be back on Radio 6 Music.
In a heartfelt statement, Laverne shared, "As listeners will know, I had a really tough 2024 and worried at times that I wouldn't be able to return to the station I love so much. It has been a huge honour (and so much fun) to host the Breakfast Show for six wonderful years, but it is time to pass the baton on, and to set my alarm a little later." She continued, "During my recovery I learned all over again about the power of music, the people you surround yourself with and the emotional support and joy radio can provide. I'm so grateful to be able to get back to doing what I love and sharing those things with our brilliant listeners every day."
The news of Laverne's departure comes after she announced in November that she had received the "all clear" after being away from the studios for approximately three months. During her absence, Grimshaw, along with Nemone Metaxas and Deb Grant, had been regularly filling in on Radio 6 Music. Mary Anne Hobbs, the mid-mornings presenter, will be taking a sabbatical from mid-February as Laverne takes over her slot, with Hobbs set to return to the station in the spring with a new show.
In a touching moment, Laverne expressed her gratitude towards Hobbs, saying, "I cannot wait to hear that new show, it's going to be extraordinary as always, and Mary Anne was the first person in my inbox this morning to say good luck for today and send lots of love. She's just the most wonderful person, as well as a brilliant broadcaster." As the baton is passed, Radio DJ Metaxas will be stepping in to host the Breakfast Show starting from Monday, while Laverne and Grimshaw's new shows are set to kick off in February -- ushering in a new era for BBC Radio 6 Music.
