BBC Radio 2's Tony Blackburn to remain off air due to health issues
Johnnie Walker replaced him last week, with Tony saying he won't be back 'for a little while yet'
MAKING PROGRESS: DJ Tony Blackburn has had to reschedule the Sounds of the 60s Tour (Image: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)
Reporting by James Rodger
BBC Radio 2 star Tony Blackburn will remain off-air for a 'few weeks' and will have to reschedule the Sounds of the 60s Tour while he undergoes treatment for an infection.
In a recent health announcement, following his replacement on Sounds Of The Sixties by his friend, Johnnie Walker, 78, Tony said he 'won't be on the radio or in theatres for a little while yet'. He apologised to fans for the disruption and thanked the 'brilliant' hospital staff caring for him, reports BirminghamLive.
The ITV I'm A Celebrity star said his infection requires 'more treatment than initially thought', but he is 'making progress'. Tony, 80, a former Top of the Pops host, said he plans to 'be back as quickly as I safely can'.
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He said: "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.
"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."
"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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In response, a fan said 'health is the most important thing', so 'here's to a full but speedy recovery', with another saying they were 'so sorry to hear this and wished him a 'very speedy recovery'. And another said a 'long time since we launched DAB in Birmingham at BRMB/Capital Gold or top (to) be more accurate, downstairs in the Radio Cafe', with another wishing Tony 'all the best for a speedy recovery', asking if Barnet had hospital radio, and 'is that a "thing" anymore or has that disappeared!!?'.
Tony said: "Finally, to all the nurses, Dr's and support staff at Barnet General hospital who I spent a few days with over the last week, thank you for looking after me. You are brilliant! Thanks very much for your kind messages; I will be back on the radio as soon as I can.
"I am making progress, but it will be a little time yet. This time, I am listening to the doctors and will take there (their) advice and do everything they advice (advise) me to do to make a 100 per cent recovery."
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