Alan Jones reveals details of his delicate surgery while Ray Hadley swings into action on 2GB
ALAN Jones dropped into 2GB studios this morning to tell loyal listeners about his delicate surgery for nerve pain as his good mate Ray Hadley begins double duties to cover for his recovering friend.
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RADIO host Alan Jones this morning told breakfast radio fans that while he’s still in a lot of pain he will be ok, following a delicate surgery for debilitating nerve pain in his arm and shoulders on Friday.
Joining his good mate Ray Hadley on 2GB this morning, Jones told listeners he acted like a “big sook” when he woke up from the operation – texting his doctor to ask why he was in such excruciating pain.
“The pain was still there but the doctor told me it doesn’t improve in 24 hours and that I have the biggest nerves he’s ever seen!
“It’s not going to happen overnight,” Jones said of his recovery, adding that after his brief radio appearance its back to hospital where he must remain immobile.
But things are on the up for the longstanding broadcaster who was thrilled to walk into the studio without a walking stick.
“Everything is going to be fine. I’ve walked in, I don’t have a stick,” he reassured.
And he’s got all the support he needs, with Hadley putting in the first of his 5½ hour double shifts to cover for his stricken friend.
True to form, Hadley yesterday said he was only too happy to pull double duties for the next three weeks on 2GB as his colleague recovers from going under the knife once again.
Jones had only just recovered from back surgery over the Christmas holidays when doctors realised he would need another round of delicate surgery to help with his nerve pain.
For three weeks from today, Hadley will host both his morning program and Jones’ 5.30am breakfast slot, giving him control of the airways in Sydney on 2GB and on 4BC in Brisbane for 5½ hours every day.
“It’s a big ask, 5½ hours, but it’s not forever, it’s (for) a short time,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s to take the pressure off Alan.
“I’m the No. 2 personality at the station. He’s a mate, he’s in trouble, so it’s all hands on deck.”
There is uncertainty about the date of Jones’ return, but Macquarie bosses have estimated the shock-jock will be off air for another three weeks.
Hadley celebrated his 100th consecutive radio survey win in November and said he wouldn’t have got there without Jones, whose dominance helped to set up 2GB for the remainder of the day.
“I wouldn’t have got the 100 surveys without Alan, so it’s an opportunity to repay the debt,” he said.
“I’ll be delighted if he’s back on Monday week, but however long it takes we want him back 100 per cent.”
That’s understandable — before Jones was forced off air, he had won more than 100 consecutive ratings surveys. In November last year, he had increased his lead in the brekkie timeslot to 16.9 per cent, making it 103 consecutive survey wins and 199 wins in his breakfast radio career.
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Before he went off air Jones told colleagues: “I don’t have cancer, I’m not dying and I will be back.” He will join Hadley on air at 7am today to discuss his health.
Chris Smith had been filling in for Jones over the summer break, but, driven by ratings and advertising revenue anxiety, executives asked Hadley to take over.
He prepared for his busy week with some golf at Castle Hill Country Club yesterday.
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