‘If that bursts, I die instantly': Radio star’s shock health crisis unfolds live on air

Health scares can be unexpected, but when they unfold in real-time, they leave audiences in shock.

What started as a routine broadcast quickly turned into a deeply personal revelation from one of Australia’s most recognisable voices.

What followed was a candid admission that has left fans reeling and raised serious questions about the impact of past choices.


Sydney radio host Kyle Sandilands, 53, announced on 2 February that he was set to undergo emergency brain surgery after being diagnosed with an aneurysm.

‘On Friday, I was told by my medical team, which sounds like I’m already very sick—to have a medical team—that I have a brain aneurysm and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,’ he told listeners.

Sandilands had been absent from his show on 31 January and explained that he sought medical advice after experiencing severe headaches.


image1.png
Kyle Sandilands announces emergency brain surgery after aneurysm diagnosis. Image source: Instagram/kyleandjackieo



‘If that bursts, I die instantly,’ he said.

He expected to take eight weeks off from The Kyle and Jackie O Show.

He shared: ‘My wife, every time I look at her, her eyes well up with tears. She is already counting down the days.’

Sandilands reflected on his past lifestyle, attributing it to his health issues.

‘The facts are a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go,’ he admitted.

He and co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson have been on air together for two decades.

‘If you just tuned in to us after all these years, lap it up. And if you’re in Melbourne...you’re coming to the party too late. You may get your wish. I may be dead,’ he joked.


This wasn’t his first health scare—earlier in 2024, the 52-year-old took a nasty fall down the stairs, forcing The Kyle and Jackie O Showto air a pre-recorded episode the next morning.

He shared: ‘We had to run a pre-done show because I fell from the top of my internal staircase and rolled and rattled and bumped all the way to the bottom and was left splayed out like a Christmas dinner.’

‘And no-one was home, so I’m like, “Help”.’

At the time, his wife Tegan, their baby son Otto, and their nanny were all away for the night.


The accident happened as he went down his ‘big, wide marble staircase’ in the dark.

‘My foot just went and I just went to the bottom of the floor,’ he said.

Alone and unable to get up immediately, Sandilands feared the worst.

‘I was so injured, I thought, “That’s it for me, this is the beginning of the end.”’


image2.png
Kyle Sandilands recalls fall, forced to air a pre-recorded show. Image source: Instagram/kyleandjackieo


His co-host Brooklyn Ross quipped: ‘Well, all the health problems begin after the fall,’ while Henderson agreed.

Fortunately, he managed to get up without any major injuries.

‘But it rattled me a bit,’ he admitted.

Sandilands has also been in the spotlight for his noticeable weight loss, sparking speculation that he was using the diabetic appetite suppressant Ozempic.

‘I don’t care, but I just wish people would know that if I was (on it), I’d just say it at this point,’ he said.

‘There’s nothing stopping me from saying it and I would say it, but I can’t convince people otherwise.’


He dismissed the rumours, attributing his slimmer appearance to healthier eating habits and cutting back on bread and Coca-Cola.

‘You always come back from the (Christmas) break a little bit skinnier because you’ve been healthier... You’re less into the 12 coffees,’ Henderson noted.

Sandilands credited his wife Tegan for keeping his diet in check.

‘I go, “Can you bring me a chocolate Paddle Pop?” and a salad shows up,’ he shared.


Sandilands’ revelation about his health wasn’t the only headline-grabbing moment in recent months.

The outspoken radio host also found himself at the centre of controversy after a heated on-air exchange took an unexpected turn.

Sandilands made headlines for a fiery exchange on John Laws’ 2SM radio show.

During what was meant to be a celebratory discussion between radio veterans, tensions flared when fellow host Ben Fordham took a jab at Sandilands’ take on the US election.

‘Of all the experts on American politics, what an honour for John Laws to have Kyle Sandilands commenting on it this morning,’ Fordham said sarcastically.


Sandilands, never one to hold back, fired back with a warning.

‘I’ll throw this water in your face, bitch. I don’t care who you think you are.’

True to his word, he launched a glass of water at Fordham, leaving the studio in shock.

The moment added to Sandilands’ long list of controversial outbursts, coming just before his unexpected health battle took centre stage.


Watch Kyle’s full statement about his surgery below.



Key Takeaways
  • Kyle Sandilands, 53, revealed on 2 February that he would undergo emergency brain surgery after being diagnosed with an aneurysm, sharing the news with listeners in a candid moment during The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
  • He explained his absence from the show on 31 January, attributing it to severe headaches that led to his diagnosis, and reflected on how his past lifestyle, including drug use and partying, contributed to his health issues.
  • Earlier in 2024, Sandilands had a close call after falling down the stairs at home, which resulted in The Kyle and Jackie O Show airing a pre-recorded episode the following day. Despite the fall, he sustained no major injuries.
  • Sandilands also addressed rumours about his weight loss, denying speculation he used Ozempic, attributing his slimmer appearance to healthier habits and support from his wife, Tegan.

With Kyle Sandilands facing such a serious health challenge, it’s clear how important support can be during tough times. How do you think his fans can best show their well wishes during this difficult journey?

Share your thoughts in the comments.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
After reading a lot of negative comments on here I have changed my mind about the Australian way.
Apparently, it is ok to kick someone when they are down. No matter if you like him or not you are behaving just the way you are criticizing him for. Hope there's no one out there who doesn't like me that much.
It's a free country and everyone's allowed an opinion.:sneaky:☺️
 
What this bloke has is a 4mm aneurysm
Yes it not good but it’s classified as a small aneurysm.
Yes he requires an operation but there are 100’s of people far worse of than him.
This is just a big sympathy ratings reaction!
 
In most circumstances I would sympathise as I have experienced extensive neurosurgery myself. However, I am ashamed to say I think this man is such a truly horrible person I find it really difficult to feel sorry for him. I have to wonder if this is a PR exercise on his part.
Hi Frida1944,
I'm in the exact same boat as yourself, in more ways than 1.
Only all of mine have been from L3 right down incl., S1, which included the removal of the L3/4 disc as well.
All bad prolapsed discs from my work environment. My neuro., called me a surgical impossibility with all the others I have.
I now have a broken L1 from a bad backword fall I had over the Australia day weekend.
After all, I'm pretty good, thankfully with my health. Not holding me back at all & doing/going full steam ahead. Just a little tad slow at the moment.
I had my 81st on Sunday. If I may ask, when is yours ? Make sure you have a great day as I did.
Anyway, I couldn't stand the "KS".
 
He is still a Human being, even though he can be nasty 😷, no one deserves to have a diagnosis like this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Johnnie boy
Hi Frida1944,
I'm in the exact same boat as yourself, in more ways than 1.
Only all of mine have been from L3 right down incl., S1, which included the removal of the L3/4 disc as well.
All bad prolapsed discs from my work environment. My neuro., called me a surgical impossibility with all the others I have.
I now have a broken L1 from a bad backword fall I had over the Australia day weekend.
After all, I'm pretty good, thankfully with my health. Not holding me back at all & doing/going full steam ahead. Just a little tad slow at the moment.
I had my 81st on Sunday. If I may ask, when is yours ? Make sure you have a great day as I did.
Anyway, I couldn't stand the "KS".
Belated birthday 🍰 wishes hope all goes well for you .
 
After reading a lot of negative comments on here I have changed my mind about the Australian way.
Apparently, it is ok to kick someone when they are down. No matter if you like him or not you are behaving just the way you are criticizing him for. Hope there's no one out there who doesn't like me that
Obviously you have not heard or seen him on radio or TV. I confess to only seeing him or hearing him about five times and that was enough for me. I do wish him well for his family's sake, be that a blessing or otherwise. I just find him a self centered twit.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Leenie and BillyB
So many rude and nasty comments against someone you don't even know.

I've actually spoken with him a few times. I used to help his ex wife with formal dresses and he had even apologised for her and her family.

My daughters friend at 18 was homeless and she had called into his radio station to ask where she could get help.
He ended up paying rent on a unit for 1 year and furnished it for her.

I like how he says what he wants . He has helped so many people and he does this silently.

It came out how they found an aneurysm in his heart now.

I wish him nothing but the best and my prayers 🙏 will be with him on the day of his surgery
 
So many rude and nasty comments against someone you don't even know.

I've actually spoken with him a few times. I used to help his ex wife with formal dresses and he had even apologised for her and her family.

My daughters friend at 18 was homeless and she had called into his radio station to ask where she could get help.
He ended up paying rent on a unit for 1 year and furnished it for her.

I like how he says what he wants . He has helped so many people and he does this silently.

It came out how they found an aneurysm in his heart now.

I wish him nothing but the best and my prayers 🙏 will be with him on the day of his surgery
Great to see someone with empathy , makes a change on the forum.
 
After reading a lot of negative comments on here I have changed my mind about the Australian way.
Apparently, it is ok to kick someone when they are down. No matter if you like him or not you are behaving just the way you are criticizing him for. Hope there's no one out there who doesn't like me that much.
I would have gladly kicked him when he was "up".

In person.
 
Obviously you have not heard or seen him on radio or TV. I confess to only seeing him or hearing him about five times and that was enough for me. I do wish him well for his family's sake, be that a blessing or otherwise. I just find him a self centered twit.
What has he done to you ? Maybe his honesty is a problem
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×