Simon Barnett off air after wife diagnosed with two lesions on the brain

Simon Barnett is off air after his wife suffered a stroke.

Popular morning radio DJ Simon Barnett has gone on extended leave after his wife suffered "a fit or a stroke".

Barnett's wife Jodi has been hospitalised following the "horrendous" incident which happened in Christchurch on Sunday morning.

Barnett's co-host Gary McCormick broke the news to listeners this morning, saying the incident was "very alarming for the entire family to say the least".

"She's been diagnosed with two lesions on the brain," McCormick said, revealing that she faced surgery in 10 to 12 days.

Simon and Jodi have been married for more than 25 years and have four children together, Sammy, Sophie, Bella, and Lily.

"She is utterly and completely my soulmate," he told Woman's Day in 2015, shortly after winning Dancing With the Stars.

"We don't feel complete unless we are together."

Barnett is set to join Newstalk ZB early next year.