Television presenter Richard Bacon is ‘fighting for his life’ after being put in a coma.
The former Blue Peter presenter has been placed in a medically induced coma after he was diagnosed with pneumonia across both lungs.
Bacon was treated for the illness, but his body didn’t respond to the doctors’ efforts and his condition became worse. In a critical condition, doctors were forced to take emergency action.
The broadcaster, who now lives in LA, was on his way to Britain when he fell ill.
On July 5, he tweeted:
Thank God I got ill in Britain (actually on the way to Britain, was taken off the plane in a wheelchair). F**k all the ideology driven politicians who’ve messed up America’s healthcare system. Viva the NHS. Happy 70th. [sic].
According to The Sun, a source close to the 42-year-old said the doctors had no choice but to take this action.
They explained:
This is an extremely worrying time for everyone who loves him.
Doctors started treating him for pneumonia but it soon became apparent that it wasn’t working and his condition took a dramatic turn for the worse.
They had no choice but to put him into a medically induced coma to save his life because things spiralled so fast, but that was a week ago and they are no closer to finding out what is wrong with him or how to help him.
It’s touch and go, and extremely upsetting for everyone who loves him. They are beside themselves with worry.
Bacon appeared to still be in good spirits when he was first admitted to hospital. He joked about being in hospital because he didn’t want to miss the ‘party’, referring to the NHS’s 70th birthday.
He tweeted:
I’m A&E (in Lewisham) on the NHS’s 70th birthday. I don’t like to miss a party.
When Bacon first tweeted that he was ill, naturally followers and fans asked what was wrong out of concern.
According to the Telegraph, Bacon replied:
Basically pneumonia. But across two lungs. Although I thought that was for people in their 80s, I’ll be here a few days.
Thankfully, Bacon has since woken up from his induced coma. The Nottingham Post report that the broadcaster has now opened his eyes and ‘is getting better’.
Bacon’s mother, Christine, told the Nottingham Post how relieved she was that her son was out of the coma.
She said:
It was such a relief when he opened his eyes, although his not responding to us very well yet we can see that he is getting better,
Bacon was a favourite on TV’s Blue Peter, which he joined in February 1997, presenting alongside Romana D’Annunzio, Katy Hill, Konnie Huq and Stuart Miles.
He also presented The Big Breakfast, Top of the Pops, and reality TV shows Back To Reality and Castaway Exposed.
Bacon, along with his wife and two young children – Arthur and Ivy – moved to LA as he works in US television.
People have been tweeting their well-wishes to the broadcaster, hoping he recovers soon.
One person wrote:
Always in the right place at the right time eh Richard…..please get well soon. One of U.K.s finest broadcasters.
Another said:
Get well soon Richard. Still remember your special half hour on @bbc5live with the brilliant Rachel Bland. Good wishes to you both.
A third added:
you are in safe hands there, the staff at lewisham nhs are fantastic, get well soon
Our thoughts are with Richard and his family at this time.
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.