Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer has revealed he will undergo surgery to remove a cyst on his vocal cords.

The TV presenter and chef said that his increasingly croaky voice will hopefully be fixed when he has an operation next month.

On Sunday’s episode of the morning show, co-host Tim Lovejoy asked for a voice update.

Rimmer, 56, said: “I’ve now discovered I’ve got a little cyst on my vocal cords which is why I sound like this.

“So I’m having an operation on February 3, all being well.”

Actress and writer Helen Monks, a guest on the show, said: “Oh no, I really like it! Can you not keep it in?”

Rimmer joked: “My premium line number is doing well Helen, I must say.”

He also quipped that he might be one of the secret celebrities in ITV singing show The Masked Singer.

“Obviously I’m still in, Hedgehog is still in, so I’m still in The Masked Singer, I’ve not been unveiled yet,” the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant said.

Sunday Brunch viewers had picked up on Rimmer’s voice in recent weeks, with one writing on Twitter: “So we are listening to Simon Rimmer croak through the programme again?#maybetakeadayoff #SundayBrunch.”

Another said: “What has happened to Simon Rimmer’s voice. I keep clearing my throat watching him.”

Another said they were glad he was finally getting it sorted, writing: “@SundayBrunchC4 it’s part of my weekend routine now to wake up on January Sundays and be mildly concerned about #Simonrimmer’s voice. Good luck on 3/2.”

One viewer could not believe that he was still hosting the weekly programme.

“How has Simon Rimmer still got a croaky voice! Been like that for 6 weeks! Get off the TV and get it sorted!” they said.