BBC presenter and Strictly Come Dancing alum DJ Spoony, real name Johnathan Joseph, got tearful during his radio show today (December 30) while talking about his Christmas hospital ordeal.
“The secret is out,” he said, live on air.
Health issues abound during the winter months, although not all of them have to do with the cold. Fellow Strictly contender Nick Knowles has been paying through the nose for his medical bills. Meanwhile, Dr Ranj Singh was in hospital over Christmas after sustaining a face injury.
DJ Spoony, meanwhile, has had an emergency op after suffering a bleed on the brain.
Strictly star DJ Spoony tearful on air discussing health problems
Johnathan Joseph, better known as DJ Spoony, is a BBC Radio 2 presenter. He took part in Strictly, alongside pro partner Ola Jordan, in 2006.
During his show today, the star became tearful when discussing the health battles he’s fought over the Christmas period.
“I was off last week because on Saturday, December 21, I got up early in the morning. I’d been having headaches for about three to four weeks, and I’d been putting it off.
It was hurting, then it was really hurting, and I thought I better go to the hospital.
“It was hurting, then it was really hurting, and I thought I better go to the hospital. They did some tests and said they were going to give me a little scan, and then it came back with the scan results.
The doctors told him he had a “small bleed to the brain”, he explained. As a result, he needed to see a specialist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
“I was like: ‘Okay, no problem,’ and I sat down there in the waiting room and got myself a packet of crisps and a chocolate bar. I had a water with me already.”
DJ Spoony’s surprise at being told he needed an operation
“Then he came back to me, and he said: ‘Mr Joseph, we are waiting to hear back from the bed admissions.’ And I was like: ‘What do I need a bed for?'”
That was when received some unpleasant news.
He went on to explain to his listeners that it was necessary for him to stay in the hospital for an operation.
“I’ve got to say,” he continued, “the hardest part was being ill. But after a few days, the staff at Addenbrooke’s had done the operation and flushed me out. I was feeling fine about 10 minutes after the operation, and I was talking again.
“I was looking forward to being back on the ward, eating a banana, and having a ginger shot because that is all I had been thinking about.”
He got back to the ward and was fine, he said.
“Again, a big thank you to our amazing NHS and to everyone at the hospital who looked after me. You are amazing.”
At this point during his elucidation of the past two weeks, he became emotional – or rather, his emotions started to spill into his voice. But with tears in his eyes, he continued.
“To all my family and friends, and to everybody… I could not wait to get back into the studio.”
And then, commenting on how much the telling of it had moved him, he said: “I really thought I’d be able to handle this without getting all emotional.”
He had the best Christmas despite health scare and operation
Despite the obvious stress of his hospitalisation, DJ Spoony has revealed that this Christmas has been one of his best.
He posted a lengthy update to his Instagram followers this morning. It consisted of several photos and videos from his time in hospital, to returning home to surprise his members. They all wore matching tartan pyjamas.
“That was one of the best Christmases I’ve ever had,” he wrote.
“I’m very grateful for all it showed me. For all I have. For all the love, hugs and… love.
View this post on Instagram
“Thank you to Bedford Hospital for the scan and Addenbroke’s for completing the task. You really are the best in the business. All the nurses, doctors, health assistants that looked after me.
“Thank you to the NHS. Thank you Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards, Arne Slot and Mo Salah.”
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