ITV ‘I’m A Celebrity’ participant has shared their harrowing experience battling life-threatening sepsis following a routine dental visit

 

Tony Blackburn has revealed his harrowing experience battling sepsis and pneumonia, a health ordeal that landed him in the hospital.

The 80-year-old DJ and former winner of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ spoke on Good Morning Britain, discussing the frightening health battle that followed a tooth extraction, leading to his contraction of sepsis.

During his conversation with hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid, he recounted his diagnosis of sepsis and pneumonia, explaining, “My bloodstream was infected, which affected the heart. So, I consider myself quite fortunate to still be here.”

When asked if it was a “close call with death,” Tony responded, “I believe so, although nobody has explicitly told me, so I’m not entirely certain.”

“I can vividly remember the rush to A&E, with tubes for oxygen and all. The attendant remarked, ‘Looks like you might be staying in the hospital for a bit.’

“But I immediately responded, ‘I can’t, I’ve got a show in two days!’ To which he solemnly said, ‘I doubt you’ll make it.'”

Recollecting his illness, Tony added, “I contracted sepsis after a tooth extraction.”

On the same edition of Good Morning Britain, both Chesney Hawkes and Richard shared their own close calls with death. Chesney recounted fearing for his life when their plane suddenly plummeted 20,000 feet due to a drastic loss in cabin pressure.

Richard shared a harrowing experience, recounting a near-fatal choking incident where his sister performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, saving his life.

In the past year, Tony faced health challenges, leading to his absence from several shows, including his BBC Radio 2 programme.

Addressing his fans on Twitter, he wrote, “Hi everyone. Just a heads up, I’ve had a relapse of the chest infection I battled a few weeks back. My doctor scolded me for not taking adequate time to recuperate, so I’m taking a break from radio this weekend. Unfortunately, I’ve had to postpone the Sounds of the 60s shows at Swindon and Redhill next week as well.”

“Although I’ve had to reschedule, I’m eager to return to you soon with the new dates pencilled in.”

Following his earlier announcement, Tony took to Twitter to express gratitude to his fans for their support in light of his health update.

“Just a quick thank you for all your kind messages. I’m heeding the doctors’ advice this time and ensuring a proper recovery, which I didn’t do previously,” he shared.