3AW broadcaster John-Michael Howson back on air after stroke

OUTSPOKEN broadcaster John-Michael Howson will return to the 3AW airwaves, a month after suffering a stroke.

John-Michael Howson is set to return to his 3AW Sunday shift after recovering from a stroke. Picture: David Crosling

OUTSPOKEN broadcaster John-Michael Howson will return to the 3AW airwaves today, a month after suffering a stroke.

Howson, 80, has been undergoing medical treatment and physical rehabilitation since being struck down by a minor stroke on March 17.

While his speech was not affected, he has suffered a significant weakening on the left side of his body, which is responding to treatment.

``I had no warning at all,’’ he said.

``It was St Patrick’s Day, I was having dinner and suddenly I couldn’t hold my knife anymore.

``I went straight to hospital and they told me I had had a minor stroke. It was not a brain flood as such and they told me if you are going to have a stroke it was the best one you could have.

``It has not affected my speech, it has not diminished my brain power, but it has weakened the left side leg and arm. I am walking on a walker at the moment and I can walk independently with a stick. I am just so proud of myself that I can walk.’’

Howson said the stroke came at a time when he was feeling healthier than he had in years.

`` I swim every day,’’ he said.

``I was getting out of the pool two days before this happened and I said to my friend Alfie, `I have never felt better, I feel so good’. And then two days later; there you go.

`` You can’t predict these things, it is a setback, but it is not the end of the world. I am full of beans and full of energy. I have a wonderful neurologist and I was so lucky to be in the hands of some wonderful doctors, nurses and physios.’’

Howson co-hosts the popular Sunday Morning program on 3AW with Darren James and Nick McCallum and said he was looking forward to getting back behind the microphone and calling out nonsense and stupidity when he saw it.

`` I have a wonderful, wonderful life. I love doing the show,’’ he said.

``I have not had a break in three years (until now). I am not mad on world travel, I have been everywhere anyway. I like going in (to the studio) and we have a wonderful audience. Nick is wonderful. We fight like cat and dog and I don’t agree with much that he says, but he is a lovely, lovely person.’’

Howson said while he was back on air, he was being careful not to push himself too early in his recovery.

Howson has spent a lifetime in entertainment. He was part of The Magic Circle Club (1965-67) TV show and the Adventure Island (1967-72) series, and was known as John-Michael “Hollywood” Howson when filing showbiz reports for The Mike Walsh Show in the 1980s.

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