TV chef Shane Rigney has posted an update from his hospital bed following a medical procedure at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.
The Ireland AM presenter, who appears on Virgin Media television, shared images on Instagram showing himself connected to medical equipment while wearing a hospital gown.
Mr Rigney revealed he had undergone an angiogram, a diagnostic procedure that employs X-rays and contrast dye to examine blood flow and identify potential blockages within arteries and veins.
The popular chef expressed relief that everything had gone smoothly, writing: “So grateful to the staff at St James’s Hospital, wee procedure done and dusted, went very well and under control now thank God.”
Shane Rigney is a regular presenter and television chef on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM
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IRELAND AM
He also paid tribute to the healthcare professionals who treated him, describing the doctors and nurses as “incredible.”
Mr Rigney singled out Dr Anthony Buckley from Blackrock for particular praise, revealing the physician had effectively saved him around £20,000.
“Dr Anthony Buckley from Blackrock, who saved me about 20k (yes actually because I let my insurance go) is a rockstar,” he wrote.
The chef explained that he had allowed his health insurance to lapse, which would have left him facing substantial costs for the procedure.
The TV chef urged followers to cut down on alcohol, improve their diet and quit vaping following the procedure
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INSTAGRAM / SHANE RIGNEY
Ireland operates a healthcare system where residents can access public services but typically pay subsidised fees for treatments including hospital stays.
Mr Rigney described the hospital experience as a significant wake-up call regarding his lifestyle choices.
The chef acknowledged that, despite occasional healthy periods and genetic factors, there were many things he could have done differently to better protect his body.
He issued a direct appeal to his male followers and friends, urging them to take better care of themselves.
“Cut down the boozing, watch the diet, even if you don’t cut out, then add in the right stuff, get moving, and for the love of Christ f**k the vapes in the bin!” he wrote.
Mr Rigney added: “Never again with those yokes!”
Fans quickly rallied around the chef in the comments.
“Glad it went well,” one person wrote.
“Hope you are OK, mate,” said another.
A third person penned: “Get better quick, legend.”
“Glad it went well, mister! Rest up,” someone else said.
A fifth person added: “Speedy recovery, darling! Sending love.”
Mr Rigney described his hospital stay as a wake-up call to take better care of his health
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VIRGIN MEDIA TELEVISION / YOUTUBE
Mr Rigney isn’t the first British celebrity who has used their platform to warn others about vaping and the health complications they say were linked to the habit.
Reality star Fraser Olender revealed earlier this year that he suffered a heart attack aged 33 after what he described as “vape poisoning”.
The Below Deck star said chemicals in his vape caused a coronary artery vasospasm, leaving him hospitalised in London for a week.
Former Hollyoaks and Celebrity Love Island star Paul Danan, who died aged 46, had previously spoken about his “obsessive” vaping habit after being hospitalised with pneumonia and respiratory failure.
During the medical emergency, he collapsed and required CPR before being revived.
Meanwhile, Mamma Mia! actress Lily James has also blamed vaping for dental problems, revealing she needed a filling after using flavoured vapes, which she said contributed to tooth decay due to their high sugar content.