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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
World
Katherine Heslop and Megan Banner & Rebecca Sherdley

BBC Radio 2 host Tony Blackburn issues health announcement - and will be off air for weeks

BBC Radio 2 host, Tony Blackburn, is taking time off air to address a health issue. The 80-year-old says he won’t be on the radio or in theatres for a little while.

The star revealed he has rescheduled the Sounds of the 60s Tour for the moment in order to recover fully after suffering with a chest infection. Johnnie Walker, 78, was forced to step in and cover for his friend. The I'm A Celebrity star has also revealed he will be forced to reschedule his tour, as he requires more treatment than he initially thought, reports The Mirror.

Tony shared the news on Twitter: “I wanted to give a little update on my health and let you know that I won't be on the radio or in theatres for a little while yet.

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“The infection I have is requiring more treatment than initially thought and it means I am having to reschedule the Sounds of the 60s Tour for the moment in order to recover fully. All tickets booked will be automatically transferred to the new dates and you will be notified of this change by your ticket provider.

"I am sorry for the disruption and I really am looking forward to getting back on the road with the band.”

He reassured his listeners that he will be back in the radio studio as soon as he safely can be but it might be a few weeks. He added: “I hope to be back on the radio as soon as possible but it might be a few weeks before I am able to get back in the studio.

"As you know, I am passionate about my radio shows and I will be back as quickly as I safely can. I want to thank all of the listeners who have sent their well-wishes and messages of support. I do read them all and it really means a lot.

Tony added at the end of his message: “Finally, to all the nurses, Dr's and support staff at Barnet General hospital who I spent a few days with over the last week, thank you for looking after me. You are brilliant!”

It was only last week that Tony reveal on social media that he's been advised to rest by his doctor as he explained his absence from his usual slot. He wrote on Twitter: "Hello folks. Just to let you all know, I've had a little recurrence of the chest infection I had a few weeks ago.

"My Dr has told me off for not taking some time to recover properly so I am having a break from the radio this weekend and, sadly, I have had to postpone the Sounds of the 60s shows at Swindon and Redhill next week too.

"New dates are already in the diary though and I really do hope to be back with you soon."

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