Radio One DJ and broadcaster Andy Kershaw has revealed he is facing one of the toughest battles of his life after being diagnosed with cancer that has left him unable to walk.
The much-loved radio presenter, 66, disclosed that doctors discovered tumours in his spine last August, triggering months of intensive treatment and a dramatic change to his daily life.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, Andy insists he remains positive and determined, telling friends he is already planning a return to work — including recording another episode of his podcast.
In a characteristically dark-humoured remark, Andy said:
“I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast. I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant and Dec. That should keep me going for a while.”
‘A Very Difficult Time’: Close Friend Speaks Out
Andy has been undergoing a gruelling programme of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and physiotherapy, alongside frequent scans and heavy pain medication.
His close friend and podcast producer Peter Everett confirmed the severity of the situation, revealing that the cancer has primarily affected Andy’s spine and robbed him of his mobility.
Peter said:
“My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time. Last August he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk.”
“Since then he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers.”
While the illness has forced the pair to pause their creative work, Peter added that they are deeply grateful to fans who have continued to support them.
“Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us.”
The Andy Kershaw Podcast, which Peter produces, last released an episode in June 2025.
A Career That Spanned Music, Conflict and History
Andy’s broadcasting career began at Radio Aire, where he worked as a promotions manager — famously giving Carol Vorderman her first job.
He went on to present BBC TV’s flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1984 and later co-presented the BBC’s television coverage of Live Aid.
He was eventually hired by Radio 1, stepping into the role once held by the late John Peel, before becoming known for his fearless global reporting.
Andy travelled extensively, covering international conflicts, contributing regularly to Radio 4, and reporting on major historical events — including the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.
A Turbulent Personal Life Laid Bare
Away from broadcasting, Andy’s personal life has been marked by turbulence.
He was in a 17-year relationship with restaurateur Juliette Banner, with whom he shares two children, Sonny and Dolly.
The couple moved to the Isle of Man, but their relationship ended abruptly in 2006 — on their very first day there — after Juliette discovered evidence of Andy’s infidelity with another journalist.
It was later reported that Juliette found a message on Andy’s phone referring to a one-night stand at the Womad festival.
In his 2011 autobiography No Off Switch, Andy admitted he had not even deleted the message, describing himself bluntly as a “selfish d*head”** and suggesting he was incapable of fidelity.
The book contains repeated admissions of regret over failed relationships, including the line:
“I treated Melanie, the sweetest and most loving of girlfriends, disgracefully.”
Legal Troubles and ‘Losing Everything’
Following the breakdown of his relationship with Juliette, she took out a year-long restraining order after Andy struggled to accept the split.
Andy was arrested multiple times for breaching the order and was imprisoned three times, eventually receiving a six-month suspended sentence.
In 2012, he told a judge he had “lost everything”, saying:
“I have lost my kids. I have lost the woman I love. I have lost everything. It is a very difficult time for me. I just want peace and quiet.”
A Broadcasting Family — And Sister Liz’s BBC Row
Andy was born in Lancashire on 9 November 1959 to parents Jack and Eileen Kershaw, who were a headmaster and headmistress.
His older sister Liz Kershaw, 67, is one of the UK’s longest-serving female radio DJs, with more than 30 years on national radio.
In 2022, Liz reignited debate about ageism at the BBC after claiming she had been dismissed from Radio 6 Music because she was over 60 — an accusation the BBC strongly denied.
She later said:
“Whereas there are many men in their sixties, seventies and eighties on pop stations, there are hardly any women.”
A BBC spokesperson rejected claims of sexism and ageism, stating that schedules naturally evolve and highlighting Liz’s recent Radio 2 work.
Still Fighting
Now, as Andy faces the most serious challenge of his life, those closest to him say his trademark determination remains intact — even as cancer has taken away his ability to walk.
For supporters, the hope remains that this is not the final chapter for one of British radio’s most distinctive and uncompromising voices.
