Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Political broadcaster Andrew Marr set to undergo kidney operation

'I’m having a small hospital operation and I will be back as soon as I possibly can'

Lucy Mapstone
Sunday 06 May 2018 08:02 EDT
Comments
The surgery comes five years after he suffered a stroke
The surgery comes five years after he suffered a stroke (Rex)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Broadcaster Andrew Marr will go into hospital this week to have an operation to remove a malignant tumour on his kidney.

His agent Mary Greenham said he is “expected to make a full recovery and will be returning to the airwaves soon”.

She added: “He and his family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”

The 58-year-old will step down from hosting his weekly Sunday programme The Andrew Marr Show while recuperating.

He told viewers at the end of Sunday’s show: “I am going to be away for a couple of weeks or so. I’m having a small hospital operation and I will be back as soon as I possibly can, so be kind please to whoever is sitting in this chair next week.”

The surgery comes five years after Marr, the BBC’s former political editor, suffered a stroke.

Then, he spent two months in hospital and underwent extensive physiotherapy to help him walk following the stroke in January 2013.

He returned to hosting The Andrew Marr Show the following September.

He recounted his recovery, investigated the workings of the brain and trialled experimental US treatment in his 2017 documentary Andrew Marr: My Brain and Me.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Andrew is taking a period of time off for medical reasons. We wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back on our screens soon.”

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in