GAY BYRNE HAS told listeners of his Lyric FM show that he may have been diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking at the end of his Sunday afternoon programme today, the legendary broadcaster told fellow presenter Evelyn Grant:
“I shall not be with our listeners on this day next week… Have to go to hospital… We’re going to hospital as they think they may have discovered a bit of cancer in the prostate and they’re afraid that it may have moved up into the small of the back.”
He confirmed he is due to undergo further tests.
The 82-year-old continued, “I’ve had the most wonderful, fantastic, robust, good health all my broadcasting life. It’s my turn now. Many, many people much worse off. Thank you for your good wishes.”
In a statement, RTÉ wished Byrne well.
“All Gay’s friends and colleagues in RTÉ wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back in the coming weeks,” the national broadcaster said.
After decades of hosting the Late Late Show, Byrne left the Friday night stage in 1999. He continues to appear on television for his popular long-form interview show The Meaning of Life and presents the two-hour Sunday with Gay Byrne programme on RTÉ Lyric FM.
Byrne attended the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards on Wednesday night where his wife Kathleen Watkins won the Children’s Book of the Year Award.
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