BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans has revealed he is taking time off work to recover after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his gallbladder — and has thanked the NHS for its “amazing” care.
The 41-year-old star, who also appears on Homes Under the Hammer, shared the news with fans on Instagram on Tuesday, posting a selfie from his hospital bed and another of him recuperating at home with his rescue cat, Franny.
“Turns out I had some dodgy polyps in the old gallbladder, so out it came,” he wrote. “All fine now. I can’t thank the incredible staff at West Ward 6 and the surgical team at Llandough Hospital enough. I’m off work for a bit recovering – being cared for by Nurse Franny and Dr Arran.”
Evans went on to praise the NHS for its continued role in supporting his family, adding: “It’s helped my family so much over the years with ongoing cancer care for my father and MS for my mother, as well as quite literally saving Arran’s life when he was a child. Thank goodness we have it.”
Messages of support quickly poured in from famous friends and fans alike. Zoe Ball sent her love, while Gaby Roslin added: “Sending huge love and get well soon, lovely.” DJ Sara Cox quipped: “Only you could rock a hospital gown off one shoulder – asymmetrical is huge this autumn!”
Fellow Welsh presenter Gethin Jones joked about his “off-the-shoulder look”, while Gabby Logan, Pixie Lott, Russell T Davies and Strictly Come Dancing pros Dianne Buswell and Tasha Ghouri were among the many offering well-wishes.
Evans took over Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show from Vanessa Feltz in 2023 and has been open about living with tinnitus and mild hearing loss.
The Welsh broadcaster first found nationwide fame during lockdown when his video drumming along to the BBC News theme went viral. Two years later, he raised more than £3 million for Children in Need by completing a 24-hour drumming marathon joined by stars including McFly’s Harry Judd and Dame Evelyn Glennie.
Ever upbeat, Evans signed off his latest post by assuring fans he was “doing well” — and in the capable paws of Franny the cat.
