Classic FM presenter Bill Turnbull has announced that he will take a leave of absence from his radio show due to "health reasons".

The former BBC Breakfast host was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

Turnbull posted on his Twitter that he would hopefully be back to host his show as soon as he could be.

He said: "With great regret I am taking a leave of absence from my show @classicfm, for health reasons. The road has been a bit bumpy recently, and I need to take some time to focus on getting better.

"I’m sorry to do this, as I absolutely love doing the programme, and have hugely enjoyed the past five years. I am very grateful to friends and colleagues @global for the love and support they have shown me. And I will be back, just as soon as I can be."

A Classic FM spokesman said: “Bill is a hugely valued and loved member of the Classic FM and Global family.

“We wish him all the very best as he takes time away from his programmes to concentrate on getting better.

“Along with our listeners, we look forward to welcoming him back on air as soon as he can be.”