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Russell Gilbert has undergone emergency surgery, just days after his fiancee's death.

Another devastating twist of events for the Australian TV favourite.

Trigger warning: This post deals with themes of suicide.

Just days ago, Australian comedian Russell Gilbert reportedly went missing following the funeral of his de facto wife and fiancee, Rochelle Nolan.

Now, Gilbert is reportedly in hospital recovering from emergency surgery, his management has confirmed.

“Russell Gilbert underwent surgery today for a brain aneurysm,” Profile Talent Management said.

MELBOURNE - MARCH 30:  (L-R) Russell Gilbert with fiancee Rochelle just after Russell's performance at the Forum Theatre for the premiere of 'Defending The Caveman' in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. (Photo by Regis Martin/Getty Images).
Russell Gilbert with Rochelle Nolan just after one of Russell’s performances in Melbourne. (Photo: Getty Images).
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“A long and slow recovery is expected. The family has asked that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

Hey Hey It’s Saturday and Thank God You’re Here regular Gilbert is recovering in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after the Friday operation, according to the Herald Sun.

nolan gilbert feat
Gilbert and Nolan were together for 19 years and engaged to be married. (Photo: Getty)

A brain aneurysm is a ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain which can ultimately lead to brain damage or death, depending on the severity.

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Further details of Gilbert’s condition are not yet known.

Gilbert is a TV regular.

Gilbert’s earlier disappearance on Thursday, just two days after Nolan’s funeral in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Brighton, sparked a police search.

A series of high-profile friends including television presenter David Campbell and Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald from Nova breakfast radio took to Twitter to instigate a manhunt.

Fortunately, the comedian was located within an hour and Melbourne police were notified, News Ltd reports.

Prior to his disappearance, Gilbert had expressed his devastation at the loss of Nolan, who he described as his “soul mate”.

In a moving Instagram tribute, he wrote of his partner of 19 years: “I will remember Rochelle, before she got broken”.

 

 

Gilbert posted a personal, devastating message online talking about Nolan’s mental illness and pleading with readers to “look out for someone close, when you see the signs.” (Image: Instagram)

Gilbert said he did not have the “strength” to attend Nolan’s funeral, but had some words of tribute included in the order of service.

“As you could all imagine, today is the hardest day of my life! It is with great sadness that I do not have the strength to be here with you all today, I’m just not ready to say goodbye,” that note read.

“I had so much love to give you and I wanted only to be with you.”

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Russell Gilbert surgery
Gilbert with Nolan. (Photo: Getty)

Nolan was found dead in a Crown Casino hotel room on 10 September, which is national R U OK Day.

The 48-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

Our thoughts are with Gilbert and his family and friends.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.