Richard Bacon 'fights for life': Former Blue Peter presenter battles mystery lung disease

Fighting for life: Richard Bacon is critically ill in hospital after contracting a respiratory virus, reports claim
Richard Bacon/Twitter
Fiona Simpson13 July 2018
The Weekender

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Former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon is fighting for life in hospital after contracting a respiratory virus, according to reports.

The TV presenter has been in a critical condition for a week after initially being diagnosed with pneumonia, the Sun reported.

Bacon, 42, said in a tweet last week that he had been admitted to hospital in Lewisham hours after landing in the UK.

He shared an image of himself covered in wires and wrote: “Thank God I got ill in Britain (actually on the way to Britain, was taken off the plane in a wheelchair). F*** all the ideology driven politicians who’ve messed up America’s healthcare system. Viva the NHS. Happy 70th.”

Doctors are now believed to have put him in a medically induced coma.

Richard Bacon is critically ill in hospital, according to reports
Richard Bacon/Twitter

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung and symptoms include dry coughs, chest pain, fever and trouble breathing.

Stars shared an outpouring of support for the presenter who is now based in LA.

Journalist Jon Ronson wrote: “God poor Richard Bacon. Hope he’s ok.”

Keith Lemon added: “Sending magical powers to Richard Bacon x”

Radio DJ Toby Anstis said: “Thoughts are with Richard Bacon’s family. Awful to see this. Let’s hope he’s going to be ok.”

The Evening Standard has contacted a spokesman for Richard Bacon for comment.

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