Paul Holmes home after health scare

Paul Holmes. Photo / APN

Broadcaster Paul Holmes has been released from hospital after a suffering a health scare.

The 61-year-old was admitted to Hawke's Bay Hospital earlier in the week after falling ill at his home at Poukawa, near Hastings.

However, Holmes was back to his irreverent best when contacted by the Herald on Sunday yesterday. Answering the phone with a glass in hand, he said he was enjoying a pleasant convalescence at the multi-million rural property he shares with wife Deborah Hamilton-Holmes.

The health scare prevented Holmes from presenting his Newstalk ZB radio show yesterday morning, and he was replaced by Wendyl Nissen.

The Radio Network's general manager of talk programming, Dallas Gurney, said Holmes would be returning to his 9am to 12pm Saturday slot next week.

"It's not up to me to speak about Paul's health but he will be back on air next week."

The Weekend Herald did not publish his usual weekly column yesterday.

Holmes also hosts TVNZ's Q+A, which is due back on air in late February.

Friends rallied around to voice their support for the veteran broadcaster last night.

Sports personality Martin Devlin was shocked to hear his mentor had been in hospital, and wished him well. "He's a fantastic bloke, and I love him to death. He has been very good to me and there is no one better to sit down and have a glass of wine with."

Sir Peter "The Mad Butcher" Leitch said he was sure his good friend of 30 years would overcome any health issues.

"He is a great guy, an unusual guy. He became a Kiwi icon but he is always keen to help with charities. I'm sure he will bounce back in no time."

Holmes has also become a campaigner for drug awareness after his daughter Millie spiralled into an addiction to methamphetamines.

Holmes is a proven survivor. He was a passenger in a helicopter crash that killed cameraman Jo Von Dinklage in 1989. Then in 2004, the qualified pilot survived two crash landings at Turangi and in Hastings.

His greatest survival story came in 1999 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Holmes has previously spoken about his battles with alcohol and still enjoys a glass of wine. A long-term smoker, Holmes has also attempted to give up on numerous occasions.