Alan Brazil has said his health is improving at a remarkable pace following a life-saving surgical procedure. The talkSPORT presenter appeared slimmed down as he confessed that ‘he was nearly gone’ before NHS staff performed what he described as a miracle.
The beloved broadcaster also announced he would be returning to the airwaves within weeks, as he soaked up the Bank Holiday weekend sunshine in Suffolk. The 66-year-old has been missing from his regular breakfast slot — a fixture on the programme since its launch in 2000 — leaving devoted listeners concerned about his well-being after he failed to appear at the Cheltenham Festival.
The former Ipswich Town and Tottenham star revealed earlier this month that he had undergone surgery. Brazil has visibly shed a considerable amount of weight during his time away from the microphone.
“Hiya guys, how are you?” Brazil posted on Instagram. “What a day, beautiful weekend. Hopefully you’re lying in the sun and enjoying yourself.
“Well, as you can see, I’m beginning to improve rapidly, which is great news. I was nearly gone, I don’t mind telling you.
“But listen, it’s a miracle what’s happened. NHS, brilliant. I can’t thank the people at Cambridge enough. They’ve saved my life. But I’m on the mend, you bet.
“I’m missing radio, I will be back. We’re going to have a beautiful day tomorrow in the sunshine here in Suffolk. It won’t be long now, a few weeks, Brazil is back!
“Thank you for all the messages, I really appreciate it, and I’m a lucky boy.”
Brazil’s talkSPORT colleagues rallied around him with an outpouring of support following his public message. “Can’t wait to see you back big legend,” said former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara.
“Miss you Al,” said Gabby Agbonlahor.
Andy Goldstein added: “Looking great sunshine. Great to see u on the mend.”
Ex-Rangers striker Ally McCoist also weighed in with a characteristically witty football remark. “Looking no bad big fella. Still Wisnae a penalty and it wiz a clear red in the old firm game xx,” he said.
Katie Shanahan posted: “Glad you’re feeling better, thinking of you”
Brazil’s road to recovery comes after he also stepped away from his radio duties back in February, when he was absent from the show for a fortnight owing to an ear infection.
Upon his return, the Glaswegian said: “The big news this morning is I’m alive and kicking. I’ve never had so many texts and emails asking, ‘Are you all right? Are you dead? Are you dying?’ Give us a break. Honestly. It was my ears. I had a big infection in my right ear, and my left ear was blocked. I was sat here thinking I was going to fall off my chair.”