BBC DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson has announced he is to take “a little break” from all work due to health issues.

The Radio 2 presenter, who has been off air this week, did not go into detail about his diagnosis but told his Instagram followers, external that, on doctor’s orders, he was now “concentrating on getting better”.

Earlier this year, the influential 62-year-old celebrated 30 years at the BBC – including on 1Xtra – where he has championed black music on the UK.

The BBC’s director of music, Lorna Clarke said: “Everyone at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1Xtra wishes Trevor a very speedy recovery and we all look forward to him returning to his shows whenever he is ready.”

Nelson, known for his love of R&B, soul and hip-hop, explained: “I wanted to let my followers, radio listeners and all my Soul Nation party-people know that I’m going to be taking a little break from my work commitments.

“Some of you may already have noticed that I’ve not been on my daily Radio 2 slot this week.”

He continued: “After a routine check-up I was advised to have some follow up tests. As a result, I will be taking some further time off. As I’m sure you can appreciate with health issues, it’s important to deal with facts and not speculate.

“So I’m concentrating on getting better, being back to 100% me and to getting back behind the mic and the decks.”

Messages of support from music stars including Stormzy, Beverley Knight and Alesha Dixon have been flooding in to the replies.

“Health. First and always,” noted singer Knight.

Another star, Lemar, offered: “Big love Trev. Rest up.” While singer and presenter Fleur East wrote: “Take your time. Health is everything.”

Earlier this week, Nelson received a special prize at the Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) awards, recognising his broadcasting career across radio and television.

The London-born DJ kicked off his career with the Madhatter sound system, putting on warehouse parties.

He then worked for pirate radio station Kiss FM in London, becoming a director once the station went legal.

He became known for his Soul II Soul Sunday night jam at the Africa Centre.

His friendship with Jazzie B saw them set up a second Soul II Soul shop in London.

Working as a promotions manager at Cooltempo (EMI Records), Nelson championed acts like 90s US hip-hop group Arrested Development and Gang Starr.

After 10 years with Kiss FM, he moved to Radio 1 in 1996 to present Rhythm Nation.

Two-time best DJ winner at the Mobo Awards, Nelson also went on to host the ceremony alongside Kelis and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

Moving into television, he presented MTV’s black music shows The Lick and The Lick Chart before the BBC gave him his own shows, Trevor Nelson’s Urban Choice and The Lowdown.

As well as hosting stages at the Notting Hill Carnival for Radio 1, Nelson also released the compilation albums Pure Grooves and INCredible Sound Of Trevor Nelson.

He has also presented the MTV Europe Music Awards and the Prince’s Trust Urban Music Festival.

In 2002 he received an MBE for his contribution to the Millennium Volunteers programme.