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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

Tony Blackburn gives update on Radio 2 return after three weeks in hospital

Tony Blackburn has revealed he has been discharged from hospital after three weeks following a chest infection.

The broadcaster, 80, admitted he was struggling to recover from the nasty infection and pulled out of his radio shows.

Tony said his health took a turn for the worse and had to be treated at the Wellington Hospital in London.

The I'm A Celebrity winner thanked the nurses and doctors who cared for him but added he would need further outpatient care.

Despite the rocky past few weeks, Tony is set to get back to work on his BBC Radio 2 show, saying he was "looking forward" to returning.

Tony gave fans an update after being in hospital for three weeks (Twitter/ @tonyblackburn)

"After three weeks in hospital I have just been discharged and am now at home to have some more treatment by having a daily injection for a few days from a hospital near me," he wrote on social media.

"Thanks to everyone at the Wellington Hospital in London doctors and nurses , for looking after me. After my treatment and a rest I look forward to getting back @BBCRadio2 and @BBCLOCALRADIO to doing what I love doing."

He added: "Just want to thank all my friends for your lovely messages, you are all so kind to think about me xx".

The DJ shared a photo of himself holding his prize from the Audio and Radio Industry Awards after being too unwell to attend the event.

Tony has been told to rest following the chest infection (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Tony won I'm A Celebrity in 2002 (Cameron Laird/REX/Shutterstock)

Last month Tony missed his Sounds of the Sixties show with friend Johnnie Walker, 78, stepping in.

Tony also revealed he will have to reschedule his tour, as he required more treatment than he initially thought.

He told his fans: “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.

“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.

BBC Radio 2 fans have been missing Tony on the airwaves (ITV)

“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.”

Tony reassured 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 said: “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."

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