Daryl: “I love John as a brother”

Daryl Somers has shared a touching tribute to colleague John Blackman after the announcer and veteran showbiz star revealed a battle with cancer.

Somers noted on Facebook that Blackman’s 11 hour operation last Friday went well and surgeons were happy with the results.

“Having come through this operation, he now moves into a period of recuperation and rehabilitation over the coming months,” said Somers.

“I love John as a brother. I find it surreal to write about this and wish there was a way to make his dilemma disappear.”

On A Current Affair this week Blackman revealed he had been diagnosed with basal-cell carcinoma, requiring the removal of his jaw, and fears it may spell the end of his 50 year showbiz career.

“The broad Hey Hey family are thinking of John, his wife Cecile, and his daughter Tiffany, with our thoughts and prayers that he will come through this challenging time,” Somers wrote.

“I was fortunate to spend some time with John and Wilbur Wilde the day before the operation, reminiscing about the 30 years of Hey Hey and, as usual, much laughter ensued. John was in top form before the big day, but he was also resigned to the fact that he may not be able to resume his career (50 years so far). Most important to him was to spread the message that all of us should have regular checks for skin lesions or spots that could be life threatening.”