Home and Away icon Ray Meagher is back on TV as Alf, but he hasn’t been away on a holiday. The beloved star has opened up about his heart surgery, revealing he’s thrilled to be back after the life-saving procedure.
Speaking on Sunrise and The Morning Show, Ray confirmed he had to go under the knife after doctors found three serious obstructions in his arteries. Indeed, an angiogram showed that one artery was so seriously blocked it required immediate surgery.
WATCH: Ray Meagher returns to the Bay after health shock
Six weeks later, Ray is back to his old self and enjoying work on set.
‘I had the angiogram and they said “there’s a lump of concrete in there, a stent’s not gonna move that, so get comfortable – you’re going to be in overnight” and they got the chainsaw out they next day’ quipped the star.
As well as his resilience, Ray also had another secret weapon in his recovery – his wife Gilly trained as a nurse.
‘I’ve had a wonderful nurse, my wife has been absolutely amazing. It’s been just fantastic to have her in house,’ he said.
Knowing he has been given a second chance at life, Ray wants others in his situation to have the same positive outcome, so he’s urging fans to get their hearts checked.
‘Regular visits to your GP are a good start,’ he says. ‘Diet and exercise are pretty handy. It’s really important to get checked, even if you’ve got just the slightest symptoms.’
It’s great to have you back, Ray!
WATCH: Home and Away’s Ray Meagher heart surgery scare