BBC Radio 2 star DJ Spoony shares major update weeks after brain surgery-Ruth Lawes and Asyia Iftikhar-Entertainment – Metro

DJ Spoony has shared his gratitude for fan support during his brain surgery recovery (Picture: REX / @djspoony)

BBC Radio 2 presenter DJ Spoony has shared a candid health update just weeks after he underwent an operation for a brain bleed over Christmas.

The broadcaster, 54, whose real name is Johnathan Joseph, said he went to A&E on December 21 after suffering a month-long headache that manifested as a ‘throbbing’ pain.

Tests revealed the former Strictly star had a small bleed on the brain that had stopped but was causing pressure leading to surgery at 2am on Christmas Eve after a four-day wait.

The media personality appeared on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Mark Goodier this morning to give an update on his recovery, almost a month later.

When asked if he was 100% better now, DJ Spoony said: ‘Yeah thank you. I’m back to… You know my fitness isn’t where it was, but my health is fine, the scars are healing amazingly.

‘I can’t believe how well the scars are healing. I’m sure I’ve had paper cuts that have taken longer to heal than the operation scars. I’m really good. Thank you for asking.  Thank you to everybody that’s messaged, it’s been a bit overwhelming if I’m honest.’

DJ Spoony went to hospital after suffering a constant headache for several weeks (Picture: djspoony/Instagram)

He is throwing himself back into work by launching his own late-night show on the station next week.

As DJ Spoony recounted to his Instagram followers at the time, when the bleed was discovered 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.

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.

DJ Spoony underwent an operation after a bleed on the brain (Picture: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images For MOBO)

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.’

He thanked the NHS for their care (Picture: Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

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.

This article was first published on December 30, 2025.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More