David Reyne on Life and Mortality After Cancer Diagnosis

David Reyne, the 67-year-old host of Channel 9’s Getaway, has revealed he underwent a major five-hour robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer. Speaking to nine.com.au, Reyne described the experience as “staring down mortality,” but stated the health crisis has resulted in a “second wind” as he prepares for a national music tour.

How did David Reyne’s cancer diagnosis affect his health and outlook?

David Reyne recently underwent a lengthy, five-hour robotic surgery following a prostate cancer diagnosis. In an interview with nine.com.au, the presenter noted that the experience was a profound confrontation with his own mortality.

Reyne shared that living with the disease created a persistent sense of unease. “When you’re living with cancer within, there’s always that grey gloom looming in the background,” he told nine.com.au.

Despite the severity of the procedure, Reyne reported a successful recovery. He noted that he prepared extensively for the surgery, including significant pelvic floor work. He described the surgical process itself as “crazy” due to its robotic nature and confirmed he has since come through the ordeal “with flying colours.”

The presenter now describes his current outlook as “sunny and joyous,” noting that once the period of uncertainty passed, his perspective shifted to feeling that “everything’s rosy now.”

What are David Reyne’s upcoming career projects?

Following his recovery, Reyne is returning to the music industry. He is set to reunite with his brother, James Reyne, and the remaining members of Australian Crawl for a series of performances across Australia this spring.

The reunion is part of the Red Hot Summer Tour. Reyne indicated that his motivation for joining the tour is centered on enjoyment rather than professional obligation. He told nine.com.au that he requested the tour remain “reminiscent of the early tours” that focused on having fun at beaches and lifesaving clubs.

The upcoming tour features an Australian lineup, including:

• Men at Work
• Birds of Tokyo
• Vika & Linda

How does Reyne manage multiple professional roles?

Reyne maintains a diverse professional portfolio that extends beyond television and music. Alongside his broadcasting career, he is a host, actor, and business owner.

He and his wife, Karina Reyne, operate Plonk and Stink, a wine and cheese bar located on the Mornington Peninsula. Reyne expressed a preference for constant professional activity, stating that he seeks to replace one project with another to keep life interesting.

“I love to keep working,” Reyne told nine.com.au. “Whenever I think that something’s maybe coming to an end, I think, ‘Well, what am I going to replace it with?’”

The trend of celebrity health transparency

Reyne’s decision to share his diagnosis follows recent high-profile disclosures regarding prostate cancer, such as those from Top Gear and Clarkson’s Farm star Jeremy Clarkson. Reyne observed that Clarkson’s news highlighted the prevalence of the disease, noting, “There’s so much of it about.”