BBC radio legend, 62, steps away from show after emotional cancer announcement: 'Don't feel sorry for me'
The 62-year-old actor, comedian and radio host shared his diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post earlier this week, urging fans “please don’t feel sorry for me”.
The broadcaster said he has had his first chemotherapy treatment and is “concentrating on getting stronger”.
Now, the BBC has confirmed that Nestor will be taking a break from work while he fights the disease.
“Our friend and colleague Eddie Nestor has announced that he will be away from Radio London for a period of time while he receives treatment for cancer,” BBC London shared on their official Instagram.
“Everyone at BBC London sends Eddie and his family our love and support.”
Nestor announced he has cancer on Monday, writing: “Greetings. You may have noticed I've been a little quieter than usual.
“Well... this wasn't quite the June we'd planned. I missed my own brunch and ended up spending Father's Day and my birthday in hospital. Life has a funny way of rewriting your diary.
“I've been diagnosed with cancer. The good news is that, thanks to an incredible medical team, I've now had my first chemotherapy treatment.
“We're thankful, we're hopeful and as a family, we're looking upward and forward.”
He went on: “I honestly don't know exactly what the next few months will look like.
“I'll work when I'm able, post when I feel like it and spend the rest of the time concentrating on getting stronger.
“There is one thing I do know. The greatest source of strength in my life is my family.”
Nestor acknowledged that his fitness coach wife Lisa has been “quieter too” on social media and urged fans to “encourage her” when she starts posting again.
He also joked that "after more than twenty years of me carrying her, it's probably about time she started pulling her own weight”.
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The radio veteran continued: “As for me, please don't feel sorry for me. I'd much rather have your prayers, your encouragement and the occasional laugh. That's the fuel I need.
“Thank you to everyone at the BBC for all your love and support. Thank you to everyone who's already reached out.
“Every epic journey begins with a single step. Well, here's another one. Much love, Eddie.”
His BBC London colleague Shay Kaur Grewal discussed his cancer diagnosis live on air during her afternoon show.
In a moving moment she said: "This next part of the show, it's not an easy one for me.
"As you'll know something that I always talk about here on BBC Radio London is the fact that we are very much a family, and this particular news I'm about share is about one of our much loved colleagues and a personal dear friend of mine...
“I'm talking about the fantastic Eddie Nestor. I'm certain many of you tuned into BBC Radio London over the coming weeks have had a lot of questions, and I'm sharing this news with you now on Radio London, as Eddie has given us permission to do so, and he also has shared this news publicly today.”
She went on to read out his social media statement to listeners.
She added: "So, if you are tuned in to BBC Radio London, as I say, it's not something I wanted to do, but of course it's important to share, as many have wanted to know, the news that Eddie has announced today that he's been diagnosed with cancer."
Nestor is best known for his acting roles in 1990s television shows like Desmond's and The Real McCoy.
He was appointed an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for 2018 for his charity work and services to radio