Ben Fordham returns to radio despite saying he’d be taking the rest of the year off – saying his ‘workaholic’ dad would have wanted him back on air
- Ben Fordham has returned to his radio post just a week after his father died
- The 2GB host initially planned to take the rest of the year off with his dad
- But John Fordham died a few days later after a three year battle with cancer
Ben Fordham returned to radio on Monday just a week after his father died of throat cancer – despite initially telling listeners he’d take the rest of the year off.
The 42-year-old radio personality said he thought he’d have longer to spend with his ailing father, John, but he ‘departed a little faster than anticipated.’
Fordham said he would take a cue from his ‘workaholic’ father, who was still securing deals for his clients right up until 15 hours before he died.
The 2GB morning show host said his father’s legacy and death would dictate his segments in the weeks to come.
John Fordham, a prominent talent agent and father to Ben Fordham (pictured together) lost his long battle with throat cancer last Sunday
Mr Fordham was farewelled by hundreds of family, friends and the celebrities he managed at a funeral in Sydney on Friday. Pictured, the order of service
Ben Fordham (pictured) returned to radio on Monday, just days after his father’s funeral, despite initially claiming he would take the rest of the year off
‘I think he would have wanted me to go back to work,’ Fordham told the Daily Telegraph.
John Fordham, who worked as a manager to sports, entertainment and media stars, died last Sunday aged 75 after a three-year battle with throat cancer.
Just one day earlier he was trying to secure a difficult deal for one of his clients.
‘He dictated a really heavy message on Saturday afternoon involving one of his clients in a contract negotiation,’ Fordham said.
‘It was very robust, very stern to an employer and he was determined to get it resolved.’
Ben Fordham said the lasting legacy his father will have had on him was teaching him the true value of ‘life, loyalty and having a go’ (Mr Fordham pictured with his grandson Freddy)
Hundreds of mourners crowded the St Francis of Assisi Church in Paddington, east Sydney, for his funeral on Friday, with former prime minister John Howard and broadcasters Alan Jones and John Laws rounding out the old guard.
Presenters Sylvia Jeffreys and Lisa Wilkinson – both clients of the Fordham Company – and morning TV personalities Richard Reid and David Campbell led the media contingent.
Mr Fordham is survived by wife Veronica; Sarah; 2GB radio host Ben and his Seven News reporter wife Jodie; publicist and talent-agent son Nick and wife Elizabeth; and his five grandchildren, Maisie, Coco, Freddy, Pearl and Goldie.
Ben Fordham with daughter Pearl and son Freddie, as they bade farewell to a father and grandfather. Fordham recently welcomed his third child, daughter Goldie, described as John’s ‘newest little princess’
After being diagnosed Mr Fordham (pictured with son Ben) established the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation to ensure others didn’t suffer the dreadful complications of the cancer
On the Thursday before Mr Fordham’s death, Ben Fordham revealed doctors told the family the disease ‘was not going to be continuing’ for much longer.
‘I’ve spent the day with him today and I’ve actually made the decision late yesterday I’ll be wrapping up the radio show either at the end of today or tomorrow and that will be it for the year,’ Fordham said at the time.
‘It (the cancer) has been around for a few years. He’s had a couple of bouts with it. He beat it and then it came back and then recently it came back again.’
Fordham said his father’s death would be a conversational point on his broadcast up until Christmas.
Mr Fordham’s pallbearers included (left to right) former Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos, businessman Mark Bouris, ex-cricketer Mark Taylor, footballer Adam MacDougall, animal expert Matt Wright and Ricky Stuart (not seen above)