Lauren Laverne emotional as she returns to BBC Radio 6 after cancer diagnosis

Lauren Laverne has returned to BBC Radio 6 Music following her departure from her breakfast show.

The esteemed radio DJ, 46, took a break from presenting her breakfast programme last August after being diagnosed with cancer, before deciding not to return.

In January, Lauren revealed that ex-BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw would be filling her shoes during the breakfast slot while she transitioned to the mid-morning waves.

Before kicking off her programme at 10am on Monday (February 24), Lauren opened up about returning to the airwaves, telling Nick: "It feels fantastic, I've been so excited, it's ... nervous energy (and) just excitement to get going. I've done a couple of run-through shows here, to remember how to press the buttons, etc."

After six years hosting the BBC Radio 6 Music Breakfast Show, Lauren confirmed she'd be passing the torch to Nick, 40, due to the tough times encountered during her cancer battle.

She appeared on the show in January while Nick was hosting, saying: It's wonderful to be here, good to be back. I'm doing really, really well, it's been a tricky time, and I've missed everybody so much."

Lauren graciously acknowledged the "messages of love and support" she received and reminisced about her previous visit to the studio back in August.

Laverne opened up about her challenging journey, saying: "I'd had my cancer diagnosis, I knew that I was going to be having an operation sort of imminently, and to walk out of the studio door and then come back in four months later, healthy (and) still obviously recovering.

"And anyone who's been through cancer knows it takes quite a long time to fully get back to where you were, but it's very exciting to be back and to be here."

Nick shared his feelings about covering for her, admitting he "missed her as a Lauren Laverne fan", felt "so nervous" and was "really apprehensive to cover" for her.

Showing her gratitude towards Nick for filling in, Lauren told him that he'd been "absolutely incredible". Back in November, Lauren announced her return to the airwaves, having received the "all clear" after a three-month absence from the studio.

In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed her eagerness to launch her new mid-morning show, saying: "Thank you for all the kind messages of encouragement and support today, and for listening to our station."

She added: "We're all so lucky and proud to be part of it."

Lauren is taking over from former BBC Radio 6 Music mid-mornings host Mary Anne Hobbs, who is set to move to a new show in the spring.