BBC Radio 2 star DJ Spoony recovering after brain surgery on Christmas Eve
BBC Radio 2 presenter DJ Spoony has revealed he underwent an operation for a brain bleed after weeks of ‘throbbing’ pain.
The broadcaster, 54, whose real name is Johnathan Joseph said he went to A&E on December 21 after suffering a month-long headache.
Tests revealed the former Strictly star had a small bleed on the brain that had stopped but was causing pressure.
Doctors then transferred DJ Spoony to Addenbrooke’s Hospital as they needed to ‘operate asap.’
‘Crazy as I’d been working and training solidly all through the time of the headaches,’ he explained on Instagram.
DJ Spoony was in hospital for four days before undergoing surgery at 2am on Christmas Eve.
He said post operation: ‘By their very high standards it was a routine operation to sort my subdural hematoma.
‘Within 10mins of the operation I was on my way back to the ward. Fully alert. Chatting. Not groggy after the general.
‘Couldnt wait to have that banana by my bed as I’d been nil by mouth since 1pm the previous day. That was the best banana I’ve ever had….as for the ginger shot. Perfect.’
DJ Spoony remarked it was ‘crazy’ his headache immediately stopped after the surgery.
‘4 weeks of this throb and finally peace up top,’ he added.
DJ Spoony said he was ‘so grateful’ after waking up on Christmas morning in hospital.
He added: ‘[I] had something special to look forward to. Going home to my family and friends. All who had been incredible for the last few days. The visits, support, calls, messages. Very humbling.
‘There was however some sadness waking up near to some people that didn’t know where they were, that would’ve spent a large part, if not all, of the day without loved ones. I think about them all every day and hope they are making progress in their recovery.’
DJ Spoony also thanked the NHS for their care.
He wrote: ‘Thank you to Bedford Hospital for the scan and Addenbrokes 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.’
DJ Spoony’s career started on pirate radio station London Underground, forming the production trio Dreem Teem with Mikee B from Top Buzz and Timmi Magic.
He then joined Kiss in 1997 before bringing UK garage to BBC Radio 1 nationally in 2000.
DJ Spoony has also hosted shows on Radio 5 Live and Rinse FM before joining Radio 2 in 2019.
In 2022, he was recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to charity through music during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, DJ Spoony hosted regular live streams, eventually several times a week, using his equipment at home to play a variety of music to help people ‘connect’ and raise money for charity.
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