Veteran BBC presenter Nick Owen breaks down on air as son sends heartfelt tribute amid cancer battle

Owen, who was awarded an MBE earlier this year was speaking to his colleague Ben Godfrey during a segment on BBC Midlands Today about his journey to recovery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

One message from the bereavement charity Edward’s Trust read: "He's become part of our family. He's always found time to support us in our work. His MBE is well deserved." Another message highlighted the impact of Owen's illness, said: "I got tested myself after his illness and was diagnosed late last year with prostate cancer. So far, it looks like early detection has paid off."

Nick's son, Tim, expressed his pride, saying: "Very proud of you, Dad." Owen, holding back tears, responded, "My Tim... oh bless you. And I do want to thank everyone who's been in touch, you know, and so supportive. I'm so grateful that people have responded to the message about prostate cancer because it's such an important thing. People are talking about it far more now. Not just because of me, but various people have been in the same situation."

The 76-year-old has been battling "extensive" and "aggressive" prostate cancer since August and has since been successfully treated. He shared his experience on the Deadly Silent Podcast: "I've been through the middle of it. And I realised that the sooner you get seen, the better. We had an MRI, there was a hint there was something going on. Then I had a biopsy, which showed it was really nasty and aggressive. We needed to do something quickly."

"Telling my children was difficult. I've got four children, three of whom are boys in their forties and late thirties, and it was quite emotional. As far as the boys (Andy, Tim, and Chris) are concerned, it's a warning because it can be a hereditary thing. I'm very keen for my boys to be extremely proactive. I'll encourage them to have the PSA tests earlier than 50. The message has to be if you have any hint of a worry, get someone to look at it."

Owen received his diagnosis just weeks after his former TV-am co-presenter Anne Diamond, 68, revealed she is battling breast cancer and has undergone a mastectomy. In the 1990s, the pair hosted their own current affairs morning programme on the BBC, Good Morning With Anne And Nick.