Update: Richard mum’s, Christine, has confirmed he is now out of the induced coma and although there is a “long way to go”, the family can see he is starting to “get better”
Original story:
Former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon is in an induced coma after becoming ill with suspected pneumonia, according to reports.
Last week Richard, 42, shared a photo of the A&E department at a hospital in London.
He captioned the post: “I’m A&E (in Lewisham) on the NHS’s 70th birthday. I don’t like to miss a party.”
I’m A&E (in Lewisham) on the NHS’s 70th birthday. I don’t like to miss a party pic.twitter.com/AzuAouTJhX
— richard bacon (@richardpbacon) 5 July 2018
Shortly after, Richard shared a photo of himself with wires strapped across his chest as he lay in a hospital bed.
The radio presenter explained that he was travelling to the UK from America and was taken off the plane in a wheelchair after falling ill.
He captioned the post: “Thank God I got ill in Britain (actually on the way to Britain, was taken off the plane in a wheelchair).
“[Expletive] all the ideology driven politicians who’ve messed up America’s healthcare system.
“Viva the NHS. Happy 70th.”
Richard has not posted any further updates on his health since July 5.
On Thursday (July 12) Richard’s sister Juliet said on Instagram that her brother has been in an induced coma since July 5.
She posted a black-and-white picture of a hospital intensive care unit, captioning the post: “This is my seventh day visiting my brother who’s been in an induced coma since last Thursday. Just so grateful to the NHS x.”
Radio Nottingham presenter Dean Jackson, who helped Richard launch his career in radio, told the BBC he’s kept in touch with Richard’s family over the past week.
He said: “He is being kept in the coma to get more oxygen into his system but they are hoping to reduce the sedative soon so hopefully there will be good news.”
Richard was best known for being a presenter on Blue Peter between 1997 and 1998.
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
He’s also presented shows like Top of the Pops, The Big Breakfast and The Big Painting Challenge.
More recently, Richard has been hosting a daily news show in the States called The 30.
He’s been living in Los Angeles with his family since.
Away from work, Richard is a doting dad to two children – son Arthur, six, and daughter Ivy, four, – with his wife Rebecca McFarlane.
The couple met two years before getting married when they both worked at Capital Radio.
ED! has contacted Richard’s rep for comment.