BBC newsreader Jane Hill has revealed she underwent treatment for breast cancer during her six months away from our screens.
The 49-year-old presenter, who has been off since November, returned to the newsroom on Wednesday (May 22) and paid tribute to the NHS for looking after her.
Tweeting upon her return, Jane took the opportunity to joke about Brexit and being unable to enter the BBC building.
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She tweeted: “Big day today. On air for the first time since November. Still… six months out of the newsroom… that’s been plenty of time to sort #Brexit, right…?
“Oh, and in true #W1A style, my pass had been cancelled and I couldn’t get into the building. #welcomeback.”
Big day today. On air for the first time since November. Still… 6 months out of the newsroom… that's been plenty of time to sort #Brexit, right…? See you for @bbcnews at One.
— Jane Hill (@JaneHillNews) May 22, 2019
Oh, and in true #W1A style, my pass had been cancelled and I couldn't get into the building. #welcomeback
— Jane Hill (@JaneHillNews) May 22, 2019
Viewers and colleagues, both from the BBC and other news channels, welcomed Hill back warmly.
BBC presenter Annita McVeigh wrote, “Fantastic to see you back Jane”, while ITV Evening News’ Mary Nightingale commented, “Welcome back @JaneHillNews You haven’t missed much…” and Steph McGovern from BBC Breakfast responded, “Pleased to see you’re back”.
In another tweet, Jill said she was “overwhelmed” by all the well-wishes and publicly revealed the reason for her six months away.
She wrote: “Overwhelmed by so many lovely back-to-work messages. I just want to say that my return wouldn’t have been possible without our NHS.
“Sending love and thanks to the numerous @NHSuk staff who spotted my breast cancer, treated it, and continue to look after me. Thank you all.”
Overwhelmed by so many lovely back-to-work messages. I just want to say that my return wouldn't have been possible without our NHS. Sending love & thanks to the numerous @NHSuk staff who spotted my breast cancer, treated it, and continue to look after me. Thank you all.
— Jane Hill (@JaneHillNews) May 22, 2019
Tweeting again at the end of her first day back, Jane reassured her followers that despite her prolonged absence and cancer treatment, it was business as usual.
She wrote: “That’s it for today; normal Twitter service soon to be resumed – plays, films, dogs, and of course @BBCTheArchers!
That's it for today; normal Twitter service soon to be resumed – plays, films, dogs, and of course @BBCTheArchers !
— Jane Hill (@JaneHillNews) May 22, 2019
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Jane started working with the BBC in 1986 and has since become one of the broadcaster’s most recognisable newsreaders.
She has appeared in a range of news and current affairs programmes, including BBC Weekend News and BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight.
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