BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster Bryan Burnett has announced that he will be taking a break from his popular early evening programme Get it On, to undergo treatment for appendiceal cancer.
In a short statement, Burnett explained that a tumour had been discovered during surgery to remove his appendix earlier this year and that, although appendix cancer is incredibly rare, it is treatable and he is expected to make a full recovery. He went on to say that his treatment will begin next week and involves complex abdominal surgery and chemotherapy.
He added that Grant Stott would be stepping in to look after the show in his absence and thanked his colleagues for their support and encouragement since he received the news.
Burnett said: “I’ve experienced the most incredible care and kindness from the NHS staff who have been looking after me. My surgeon is a Get it On listener so I know I’m in good hands.
“I will really miss the music and the chat when I’m off but our listeners have given me hundreds of great playlists so that will keep me going over the next few months.”
Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland added: “Bryan is one of our most popular broadcasters on Radio Scotland and I know listeners will join us in wishing him well as he embarks on his treatment. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Get it On studio once he’s recovered.”
Burnett began his career at Northsound Radio in Aberdeen, before spending six years with Radio Clyde in Glasgow, where he presented the Top 40 chart show.
During the 1990s and early 2000s he presented numerous programmes for Scottish Television, including holiday show Scottish Passport and game shows Passport Quiz, Red Amber Green and Party Animals.
For 15 years Burnett presented Brand New Country on BBC Radio Scotland, earning him the title International Broadcaster of the Year at the 2005 Country Music Association awards in Nashville. His current show, Get It On, is a requests show where listeners submit their requests based on a particular theme.
