*Interviews playing are Derryn Hinch and his surgeon with Peter Maher on 3AW Drive*

THURSDAY: Derryn Hinch continues to recuperate well in the Austin Hospital Intensive Care Unit, so well he will be released from ICU some time on Thursday.

Also, seemingly thwarting reports the hospital had confiscated his iPhone, the 'Human Headline' managed to text his producer at 1round 1:20pm saying he had 'been for a walk'.

Stay with 3AW for the latest.

HINCH: "In two words: fantastic and grateful.

It is fantastic to receive a liver and I am so grateful that a family has donated an organ in their time of grief.

So far, I've come through well. Obviously it is the start of a long haul but we're getting there in what was becoming a fast closing window.

Chanel and I can't express our gratitude enough to Professor Bob Jones and the incredible team at the Austin Hospital. It is amazing what they can do.

My thoughts are also with those who are on the waiting list awaiting a transplant.

Finally, I thank my wife, Chanel, for her amazing support."

LATEST: Derryn Hinch says he's feeling on top of the world after liver transplant surgery in the Austin Hospital early on Wednesday morning. 

The 3AW broadcaster spent seven-and-half hours in the operating theatre after being told early last night that a donor organ had become available.

He awoke in intensive care early this afternoon and has taken to Twitter to express "massive gratitude to the donor family" and "thanks to the nurses".

Surgeon, Professor Bob Jones,  says Hinch isn't out of the woods yet and he's being given heavy drugs to ward off infection and rejection of his new organ.

3AW producer Shannon Reid spoke to an elated Hinch on the phone a short time ago and said he is ecstatic.

The radio station's talkback line has bee overwhelmed with message of support for Derryn.

UPDATE: Cancer-stricken 3AW host Derryn Hinch has undergone a liver transplant at a Melbourne hospital this morning.

Hinch rushed to the Austin Hospital last night when a donor organ became available, and a spokeswoman for the hospital confirmed the transplant operation had been completed about 7.30am.

Hinch had just months live if he didn't receive a liver transplant but his call came from the Austin Hospital around 7pm last night while he was at a Melbourne venue for drinks (he had a lemon, lime and bitters) to farewell young colleague Michael James - a 3AW Breakfast Producer.

Despite receiving the call, Hinch did not tell anyone in the venue the news but his abrupt departure was noted.

Coincidentally, Michael James - son of 3AW host Darren who was also at the venue - had just finished telling colleagues that Hinch was the first person to visit his parents and their newborn in hospital after he was born.

Hinch recently wrote of his situation at the moment, which includes a likely home detention sentence for naming two dangerous, repeat offending pedophiles:

"It's a bit of a misnomer for me to be talking about ‘best laid plans’ because on the one hand I can't afford to make any. And on the other hand I cannot afford not to. Life must go on. Well, at least I intend it to, to the best of my ability."

"I can't just sit around waiting for The Call – that will have me scurrying to the Austin Hospital for another attempted liver transplant. But these days I preface every RSVP and every emailed invite with the words ‘If I’m not dead, in hospital or in jail’."

Hinch's Senior Producer, Shannon Reid, tweeted this morning: "Best day ever for @HumanHeadline - the most amazing phone call I have ever taken #newlivernewlife."

We wish Derryn well with his recovery, which will be hard but oh so rewarding.

3AW's thoughts are also with his lovely wife, Chanel, and the family of the person who has given Hinch this precious gift we are sure he will not waste.

ORGAN DONOR REGISTER:

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/aodr/index.jsp

IMAGE (A POOR ONE!): Hinch and the James boys moments before he received THE call.

IMAGE BELOW: Screen grab of Hinch's intensive care tweet

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PLAY: Hinch's surgeon speaks to Neil Mitchell

From the pub to the surgery

REPLAY: Derryn Hinch's producer Shannon Reid explains to Neil Mitchell how it was actually her who received THE call from the Austin Hospital regarding Hinch's liver transplant. Listen to her explain how Hinch got from the pub to the hospital.

Tardio's tribute to Hinch

"I hope that a day will arrive when that greiving family can take some comfort in the knowledge that liver may give Derryn another 30 years to change stupid laws, to put the wind up policiticians and to tell the people of Melbourne what is really happening - without fear and without favour."

BELOW: When Hinch announced he was battling cancer.

3AW Drive with Hinch

Hinch is a former police rounds reporter, former foreign correspondent, former newspaper editor, former host of national current affairs shows, former novelist, former radio host in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, former MIDDAY host and former jailbird.

Here's to the next 50 years!

VIDEO: "My ‘boss’ Derryn is heading off on a well-deserved break and I thought I would acknowledge in his 50th year in media, and one of his most difficult, that we all know we are stuck with him for probably another 50!"