Brian Turner has revealed that he was hospitalized after suffering a stroke last summer and thanked the ‘fantastic’ medical staff who treated him.
The renowned celebrity chef, 76, brought viewers to tears when he shared his recent health struggles during an appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
James, who describes Brian as his ‘TV dad’, introduced the Ready Steady Cook star for a segment in which he watched them cook lamb together.
Health: Brian Turner has revealed he had a stroke last summer and thanked the ‘fantastic’ hospital staff who looked after him
But before they started cooking, James reminded Brian that he had something he wanted to share on air, and the restaurateur revealed that he had a stroke in June.
Prompting Brian, James said, “First of all, you want to say thank you, there’s the camera, because you haven’t been feeling too well lately.”
Brian then shared that he is on the mend after being hospitalized with a stroke last summer, and apologized. to viewers in case he “stammered” during the segment.
He revealed: ‘Yes, well, unfortunately I had a stroke in June this year and the people at the London hospital were fantastic and helpful. So excuse me if I stutter from time to time, but we’ll catch up at the end.
Emotional: The chef, 76, brought viewers to tears when he shared his recent health struggles during an appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Morning
A effusively supportive James: ‘Okay, okay. I love you friend. So give it up for everyone who has been taking care of you. It’s a pleasure to have you back, you are welcome anytime.’
After his appearance on the weekend cooking show, emotional viewers took to Twitter to admit that his reveal brought them to tears and praised James for being “supportive.”
One person wrote: ‘It was lovely to see Brian Turner today. He had no idea that he had been sick. Thoughts to him and his family, but what a guy is still out there doing what he loves. Culinary legend and nice guy.
Close bond: James, who describes Brian as his ‘TV dad’, introduced the Ready Steady Cook star and the pair began cooking together, when Brian revealed he had a stroke in June
Sharing: Brian said: ‘Yeah well unfortunately I had a stroke in June this year and the people at the London hospital were fantastic and helpful. So excuse me if I stutter from time to time.
Another said: ‘Nice article on @jamesmartinchef this morning where we saw the return of Brian Turner who has been recovering from a stroke.
“Lovely TV and proper food brought to life by Brian with James’ empathy. He may have some dust in his eye…
A third tweeted: “Love Brian Turner, great to see him looking so good,” while a fourth added: “Bless Brian Turner, tears welled up in my eyes seeing him today, God bless you both.”
Tears: After his appearance on the show, emotional viewers took to Twitter to admit that his reveal brought them to tears as they praised James for being “supportive.”
And a fifth wrote: “Two great chefs, always had a lovely bond when hugged by James, I think there’s something in my eye.” Brian, you were an ace.
Another commented: ‘Loved seeing Brian Turner on the show this morning. It was very moving to see the love and respect between both chefs. James, you were so kind and supportive.’
After the show aired, James also took to Twitter to thank fans for all their support, saying that Brian had been “in tears” over the kind messages.
He tweeted: ‘Wow well what can we both say? Only Brian was on the phone, he ended with both of us in tears for the amazing messages and support from all of you…he wanted me to say “thank you” to everyone for everything. from them!’
Support: After the show aired, James also took to Twitter to thank fans for all their support, saying that Brian had been ‘in tears’ over the kind messages.
Brian has appeared on BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook since 1994 and has made regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen over the years, and is close friends with James.
He has also appeared on This Morning and hosted a variety of cooking shows including A Taste Of Britain and My Life On A Plate.
The popular TV chef has also worked and opened a variety of restaurants in London, including celebrity hangout The Greenhouse in Mayfair, visited by the likes of Gary Rhodes and Paul Merrett, and The Millennium Hotel in Grosvenor Square.
Brian, who was born in Halifax, was awarded a rare Michelin star in 1973 after opening The Capital Hotel with Richard Shepherd.
In 2002, Brian was featured in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List and was awarded a CBE for services to tourism and catering industry training.
Before launching his own restaurants, Brian trained with Richard Shepard at the prestigious Simpson’s in the Strand and The Savoy Grill restaurants.