Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Busted singer James Bourne gives update after being bitten by black widow spider

Busted star James Bourne has given a health update after revealing he was bitten by a deadly black widow spider.

The Year 3000 singer, 40, took to social media to share a picture of the nasty-looking bite on his leg and admitted he hadn't realised "how serious" being bitten by the arachnid was.

According to Wikipedia, black widow spiders are known for the distinctive marking on their abdomens and their deadly poison is said to be 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom. 

The National Geographic website meanwhile states that bites can cause nausea, muscle aches, and paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult. Urgent medical attention is therefore unsurprisingly highly recommended.  "I'm finally recovered now (touch wood) from being bitten by a black widow spider," the Essex-born musician told his 225k followers.

"I did not know how serious my condition was until I was refused an IV drip at my local Next health because I was suffering hypertension with a blood pressure reading of 190 / 115 mmHg," he continued.

Adding: "Apparently that's quite serious. I ended up at the hospital later that night! Anyway, I'm still here, Alive and kicking! Cool story bro…"

His friends and fans rushed to the comments section to share their concern and well wishes.

"Omg! Big get well soon James. Speedy recovery sir," wrote Heart 90s radio presenter Kevin Hughes, followed by a kiss.

"Sooo you’re saying you’re Spider Man?" joked another.

Bourne's health scare comes after he recently reunited with bandmates Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson to mark Busted's 20th anniversary with a tour that saw them play 14 dates across the country.

Earlier this month, they performed at the sold-out Capital Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.