Paul O'Grady has revealed he is stepping down from his BBC Radio 2 show to self-isolate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The 64-year-old presenter has underlying heart problems that put him in the 'at risk' group that have been advised to stay indoors during the crisis by experts.
His new stand-in Paddy O'Connell said Paul was 'fit as a flea' but would be following government guidelines closely and wanted his listeners to do the same.
Paul, who has had three heart attacks, left a message for fans of his show explaining his decision and wishing them support.
Paul began the answer machine message by saying he 'never expected this to happen.'
"I'd only been back for one show after an absence and I'm off again!" he laughed.
"But I'm one of these people who falls into the category of 'underlying health problems' and that's because I've had heart attacks," he explained.
"I've been strongly advised to self-isolate, so that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm down in the wilds of Kent with a very lively five weeks old puppy, so I've got my hands full and I've got plenty to do, and I'd just like to say to everybody else who's self isolating - good luck and keep healthy and look after yourselves.
"And a big thank you to everyone in the NHS for all they're doing," he added.
"I'll speak to you all when all this is finished so take care and once again Paddy, thanks very much and have a good show," he said to his replacement.
TV and radio presenter Paul lives the rural life in Kent with husband of three years Andre Portasio and their many animals.
Paul previously opened up about having 12 stents fitted in his heart to help the blood flow after his second heart attack.
"My heart is more tin than flesh,’ he joked in 2013. "Whenever I go for treatment I tell the doctors, "It would be far easier just to put a zip in me."
Following the global coroanvirus outbreak, government guidelines have advised those with chronic medical condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease and liver disease to self-isolate.
Cancer and cancer treatments like chemotherapy also make a person vulnerable.
Dr Miriam Stoppard t old the Mirror: "These conditions put a strain on the immune system and make the body less resilient, so you should follow all the advice the Government has given us – e.g. self-isolating, not mixing with people, not going out and not travelling."
