
EXCLUSIVE BBC star battling health struggles doubles his money in just four years by transforming and selling his London home for £2.75million
Radio 2 star DJ Spoony is selling the grand Victorian house he turned into his dream home in a backbreaking four year renovation project - just months after undergoing life-saving brain surgery.
The DJ has decided it is time to move on - just as he completed the finishing touches on transforming the previously neglected property into 'a thing of beauty'.
He has put the house - which has six bedrooms and six bathrooms - on the market for a whopping £2.75million.
Despite spending a fortune renovating the place, Spoony, 54, is hoping to make a tidy profit on the sale after buying the house 'a prestigious residential avenue' in Bedford for £1.25 million in March 2021.
Along with his girlfriend Laura Henchoz, the Strictly Come Dancing star has posted dozens of photos on a special Instagram site he set up chronicling his passionate journey to transform the house which had been converted into a somewhat shabby 16 bedroom B&B into a modern family home.
The DJ shared the journey of the 'high and lows' and challenges he faced during the works which he and his partner Laura carried out along with a team of designers and builders.
In the end, the star created the ultimate party pad complete with a state-of-the-art studio with a unique DJ booth made out of aircraft parts.
There's also a home cinema hidden behind a secret bookcase, gym and a 'vinyl room of dreams' - a spectacular library where instead of books Spoony kept his collection of thousands of records which he played on a powerful sound system.
Outside, along with the landscaped gardens, there's a huge terrace and a recently completed outdoor bar, pergola and hot tub.
Spoony, whose real name is Johnathan Joseph, had hoped to complete the work within 12 months but in his most recent posting in March he told how it was 'still not finished'.
In the message he told how it had 'been a minute' since his last posting but explained there had been a lot going on 'with new radio shows, medical dramas and life generally life-ing'.
The DJ went through an horrific health scare last Christmas when he was rushed to hospital after suffering a bleed on the brain.
He was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he underwent surgery at 2am on Christmas Eve.
Revealing the news to fans shortly before new year, he told how he went to A&E on December 21st after around four weeks of suffering headaches.
He wrote on social media: 'They did a few tests and said they wanted to give me a CT scan. The scan showed I had a small bleed on the brain (that had stopped bleeding) that was causing a bit of pressure on the brain hence the headaches.
'They said that they were referring me to Addenbrooke's as they needed to operate asap. Crazy as I'd been working and training solidly all through the time of the headaches.'
He shared the news in an Instagram post on Monday alongside a selection of pictures himself during the process
It emerged he had suffered a subdural haematoma - a serious condition where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain that is usually caused by a head injury.
Patients usually need to undergo emergency surgery which involves either removing a section of the skull so the surgeon can access and remove the haematoma or drilling a small hole into the skull and inserting a tube to help drain it.
Spoony told fans that within 10 minutes of the operation he was on his way back to the ward 'fully alert, chatting and not feeling groggy'.
He added: 'What was crazy was the headache had instantly gone. Four weeks of this throb and finally peace up top.
'I woke up on Christmas morning in hospital. I was so grateful. Had something special to look forward to. Going home to my family and friends. All who had been incredible for the last few days. The visits, support, calls, messages. Very humbling.
'There was however some sadness waking up near to some people that didn't know where they were, that would've spent a large part, if not all, of the day without loved ones. I think about them all every day and hope they are making progress in their recovery.'
In an update in January he told fellow Radio 2 star Mark Goodier: 'You know my fitness isn't where it was, but my health is fine, the scars are healing amazingly.
'I can't believe how well the scars are healing. I'm sure I've had paper cuts that have taken longer to heal than the operation scars.
'I'm really good. Thank you for asking. Thank you to everybody that's messaged, it's been a bit overwhelming if I'm honest.'
The setback came as he was preparing to launch his new two-hour Radio 2 evening show The Good Groove which is broadcast Monday to Thursday.
Since then he appears to have continued on the road to full recovery and has continued to throw himself into work with appearances at a number of live shows and festivals alongside his radio programmes.
Spoony is yet to update fans over where he is planning to live next while estate agents have been highlighting the great selling points of the DJ's home.
They explain how the 7,500 sq ft mansion's imposing red-brick façade, gabled rooflines and period detailing make an 'immediate impression' that sets the stage for 'an interior that has been meticulously restored and reimagined to the highest standards'.
While describing the 'prestigious' property as 'a fusion of heritage architecture and modern design' they are putting a slightly different spin on how the restoration could work for buyers who may not be international DJ's.
They suggest Spoony's 'vinyl room' would be a 'sophisticated and elegant' library - describing it as 'a striking and atmospheric space designed for quiet retreat or focused work'.
His studio could be turned into 'the perfect environment for entertaining or a playroom' and his upstairs cinema has 'a peaceful feeling' that would make a perfect 'meditation space'.
But they were in no doubt that Spoony's re-workings of the house provided the 'wow factor' for any buyer.
The agents wrote in a glossy brochure: 'In its entirety, this home represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Victorian house of scale that has been fully modernised with architectural integrity and stylistic clarity.
'Every room has been shaped to enhance light, proportion and comfort, resulting in a home that is both distinctive and deeply functional.'
It certainly appears to be tastefully done. There doesn't seem to be a carpet in sight with wooden and concrete flooring along with classic-style tiling throughout as well as plenty of exposed brickwork.
The property has a huge open plan area where the modern 'bespoke' kitchen, dining room and living spaces have been combined 'to dramatic effect'.
The kitchen has white quartz worktops and a central island clad in solid brass while it's also equipped 'with integrated high-specification appliances' including dual wine fridges.
Giant sliding glass doors open onto the property's garden terrace offering a space that 'comfortably accommodates large gatherings while retaining a sense of proportion and calm'.
There's also a grand imposing hall entrance on the ground floor, as well as a study for 'professional or creative use' .
The first floor has three bedrooms - all with ensuite bathrooms - including the 'opulent' principal suite which has a bathroom with marble worktops and a free standing bath and a large dressing room in a space that creates 'a private and luxurious retreat'.
The second floor offers two further bedrooms, a dressing room, and the secret cinema room.
The first floor gym is accessed by a separate staircase and stands alongside a mezzanine balcony overlooking the sitting room.
The mezzanine is described as being 'ideal for guests or an au-pair' as there is also a further bedroom which has an en-suite shower room.
Hackney-born Spoony shot to fame in the 1990's, progressing from pirate radio to become one the first garage DJs to play the music genre on Radio 1.
He went on to front a Five Live phone-in show and hosted the Radio 1 Sunday Breakfast Show.
The DJ also took part in the 2006 series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Ola Jordan.
The pair were eliminated from the show in its third week, despite receiving positive comments from the judging panel.
The DJ was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2023 New Year Honours for his services to charity through music during the Covid pandemic.
Across ten weeks in the 2020 lockdown, he hosted DJ livestreams from his home every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, playing R&B, club classics, soul and UK garage.
The streams, which were broadcast live on social media, raised more than £20,000 for the NHS and various charities and saw more than one million listeners tune in.
Spoony said of the honour: 'I didn't think for the life of me that those streams would have the impact that they did. No way could I have imagined it.
'And I know that's quite romantic, but I see this award as much as for our community as for me. And that's largely why I'm accepting it, because I'm a little bit conflicted with the whole thing.
'But I'm going to take this on behalf of everybody that stuck together and made those afternoons and evenings streaming so pleasant.'
He went on to dedicate the honour to his late mother, declaring: 'I learned to dance standing on her feet and she gave me rhythm.'
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Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
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Daily Mail
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fans slam Love Island as boring as they notice one major change in series' first week - and call for MORE bombshells as two new boys enter
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The American bombshell shoots back, 'No, it's about boys, not everything is about you' - which saw an irritated Ben storm off. His extreme reaction left the other Islanders shocked, with Meg later saying to him: 'That was a bit much... I don't get what she said that was really offensive?' Ben explained: 'She said, "Not everything is about you..." I just got the ick.' He then confessed this to Shakira too - who told Toni what he has said and suggested she pull him for a chat about it. Toni does not need to be told twice, sitting Ben down to ask: 'I've heard from people you said I'm giving you the ick?' LOVE ISLAND 2025: MEET THE CONTESTANTS Sophie Lee NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 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Daily Mail
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island viewers blast 'man child' Ben for saying he's 'stuck with' Toni and has 'got the ick' before flirting with former flame Shakira as they rage 'who gave him the nerve?'
Love Island viewers have blasted Ben for saying he is 'stuck with' Toni and has ' got the ick '. The taxi driver, 23, lost his temper during Wednesday night's episode and told the other Islanders he wasn't feeling a spark with American Toni. Tensions brewed between Ben and Toni when he randomly got annoyed at a comment she made about the prospect of the boys not being safe when male bombshells come in. He quickly ran over to the kitchen where he vented about how he had 'the ick' and was now 'stuck with a girl I don't want to be with'. But his reaction left fans more than unimpressed, as they slammed him for being 'rude' and one viewer raged: 'Who gave Ben the nerve, confidence and sheer AUDACITY????!!!!' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sharing their thoughts on the moment, fans wrote: 'The way ben speaks to and about women is actually disturbing,'; 'Ben you've given the whole Uk the ick,'; 'Who does Ben think he issss. Seriously Toni is too good for him anyways,'; 'Ben you've given ME the ICK,'; 'Ben wants to be the main character so damn bad,'; 'How do we boot this big man child? I'm already sick of him,'; 'Ben is the type of person to be arrested for drunk driving and blame the manufacturer,'; 'Ben is so damn annoying. feels like i'm watching a 16 year old boy in a grown man's body,'; 'Why is Ben talking like a villain yeah,'; 'Why couldn't Ben just be like 'no hard feelings, I don't think we have a connection' instead of all this? And HE wants to talk about ick,'; 'Ben is the biggest walking ick I have ever witnessed on Love Island,'; 'Who gave Ben the nerve, confidence and sheer AUDACITY????!!!!'; '"I'm not feeling it" "'m stuck with a girl I don't wanna be with" "I've gotten the ick" Who gave Ben the confidence to be talking like this after two days?? 'I'm sorry didn't Ben his parents teach him some manners? How can you talk about somebody like that on live television,'; 'Ben is rude lmaoo, "I'm stuck with a girl I don't want to be with".' Tensions brewed between Ben and Toni when he randomly got annoyed at a comment she made about the prospect of the boys not being safe when male bombshells come in Ben then went on to flirt with his former flame Shakira, even taking her to the Hideaway, after she recoupled with Harry and didn't think he was interested in her - with Ben even saying she needed to be 'humbled'. New couple Toni and Ben clashed over Sophie's brutal elimination - leaving Ben unsure about their budding romance. Chatting in a small group, Toni reflected the next Islander to go might be one of the lads: 'Boys, it's your turn, just saying - I don't think you're gonna be safe.' Ben replies sharply: 'Are you saying me in particular?' The American bombshell shot back, 'No, it's about boys, not everything is about you' - which sees an irritated Ben storm off. His extreme reaction leftthe other Islanders shocked, with Meg later saying to him: 'That was a bit much... I don't get what she said that was really offensive?' Ben explained: 'She said, "Not everything is about you..." I just got the ick.' 'I'm tired. I don't appreciate comments like that,' before he added: 'Everything she's doing is p***ing me off. I just got the ick. At the end of the day if your'e not feeling something you're not going to pursue it. 'I can't physically fake something. If I'm not feeling something, I'm not feeling it. I'm not someone that can fake something. If I feel something I'll say it. But the dating hopefuls were left shaken on last night's show, only the second episode of this series, as Sophie (pictured) was dumped from the Island The American bombshell (left) shoots back, 'No, it's about boys, not everything is about you' - which sees an irritated Ben (right) storm off 'What it is though, I'm stuck with a girl I don't want to be with.' He then confessed this to Shakira too - who told Toni what he has said and suggested she pull him for a chat about it. Toni didn't need to be told twice, sitting Ben down to ask: 'I've heard from people you said I'm giving you the ick?' Toni wasted no time, soon exploring other options, as her head turned to Dejon - but his partner Meg didn't seem best pleased. The ITV2 dating show returned to our screens on Monday night, with presenter Maya Jama welcoming 12 new Islanders to Mallorca to find love. But the dating hopefuls were left shaken on last night's show, only the second episode of this series, as Sophie was dumped from the Island. Shakira (left) tells Toni (right) that Ben said he 'gave her the ick' and suggests she pulls him for a chat about it Tonight's episode also saw the arrival of two new bombshells: semi-pro footballer Shea Mannings and fitness influencer Remell Mullins. It comes after bombshell Toni caused a stir with her late entrance to the Love Island villa on Monday night's episode. Shea, a scaffolder from Bristol, revealed he has a young son and will be taking that 'into consideration' when coupling up. He added: 'She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together.' Remell, meanwhile, is a self-improvement content creator with a massive 18million likes and half a million followers on TikTok. He shared he is looking for 'a bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl' with 'a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes'. When asked where he might be found in the villa in the morning, he replied: 'I might be cooking a nice high protein meal, I might be doing my skincare routine, something to level up.' Fans were confused at the Love Island producers' decision to dump Sophie right before bringing in two new male bombshells. One wrote on social media platform X: 'They shouldn't have sent Sophie home!! The producers are so cruel'; 'Two bombshells coming in tomorrow night - they should have just let Sophie stay. This is unfair.' Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Sophie Lee NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! Tommy Bradley NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Shakira Khan NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there. NAME: Shea Mannings AGE: 25 FROM: Bristol OCCUPATION: Scaffolder WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together. Also, I have a little boy, so I'll be taking him into consideration with who I couple up with, too. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing. NAME: Remell Mullins AGE: 24 FROM: Essex OCCUPATION: Self Improvement Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes. IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional.