Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris is taking a break from work after suffering an aortic dissection.
The condition occurs when the inner layer of the large blood vessel branching off the heart tears, carrying blood out of the heart.
Bob revealed he collapsed while out walking 10 days ago and was rushed to hospital.
.@whisperingbob will be taking a break from presenting The Country Show for the time being due to illness.
We wish Bob a very speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Wogan House when he’s ready.https://t.co/Vx63WU791L pic.twitter.com/PWKXuKoHmA
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) 12 June 2019
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He was then treated in intensive care.
In a statement shared to his Twitter page, Bob said: “I am sorry to say that I will be unable to broadcast on the Radio 2 Country Show for the next few weeks.
“Ten days ago, while out walking, I suffered a tear to my aorta known as an aortic dissection. The aorta is basically the M1 of the body and any damage is regarded as extremely serious.
“For the past few years I have been walking an average of five miles a day and I am convinced that the level of fitness I have achieved during that time helped save my life.
“It was an incredibly scary moment and I am massively indebted to the ambulance crew who attended so promptly, the Intensive Care team and the consultants at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and to my wife Trudie and my wonderful family who have rallied round me with huge love and support.
I am going to have to take it easy for a while but I am getting better and I will be OK pic.twitter.com/sg4ndrU1bg
— Bob Harris (@WhisperingBob) 12 June 2019
“I am not exactly sure when I will be on air again but I am on the road to recovery now and will be back playing music for you on Radio 2 as soon as possible.
“Thank you for everything.”
He captioned the post: “I am going to have to take it easy for a while but I am getting better and I will be OK.”
Fans were quick to offer their well-wishes to Bob.
One person said: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Bob!” while another wrote: “Sending massive love @WhisperingBob.”
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A third added: “Very best wishes to your Bob.”
Bob, who is known as “‘Whispering Bob Harris”, has been broadcasting on the BBC for over 40 years.
In 2011, he was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting.
Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix to send your well-wishes to Bob.