Tony Blackburn pulls out of radio show again after falling ill

Tony Blackburn is forced to take more time off from work as he recovers from a nasty respiratory infection.

The DJ, 80, gave fans a health update on Friday, telling his Twitter followers he would need more treatment before he’s back to normal.

He announced he would be quitting his BBC Radio 2 show until he is better and postponing his Sounds of the 60s live performances.

He explained, “I just wanted to give a little update on my health and let you know I won’t be on the radio or in theaters for a while.

“The infection I have requires more treatment than originally thought and it means I will have to reschedule the Sounds of the 60s Tour for the time being to fully recover.

Rest: Tony Blackburn, 80, has been forced to take more time off work as he recovers from a nasty chest infection (pictured in January)

On the road to recovery: The DJ gave fans a health update on Friday and told his Twitter followers he would need more treatment (pictured last year)

All booked tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates and you will be notified of this change by your ticket provider. I’m sorry for the disruption and I’m really 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 may be a few weeks before I can get back into the studio.

“As you know, I am passionate about my radio programs and I will be back as soon as possible.

“I want to thank all the listeners who have sent their congratulations and messages of support. I read them all and it really means a lot.

Tony added: ‘Finally, to all the nurses, doctors and support staff at Barnet General Hospital with whom I spent a few days last week, thank you for looking after me. You’re brilliant!’

The star’s fans were quick to respond with some well wishes, with one person writing, “I’m sorry to hear you’re still not great Tony. It’s only right to take the time you need to get yourself back to 100%. We all want you to feel really good before you return to radio.”

Another shared, “Hi Tony, I’m sorry to hear you’re still not well. Take the time you need so you can get back to doing what you love and what we love you to do. Look forward to hearing back on the radio and watching the show. Be careful and get well soon.’

While another person wrote “Get well soon Tony you are still the best DJ on the radio I listen to all your shows the music and your talk is just such a great tonic great jokes well sometimes hoping hope you make a full recovery and it won’t be long before you’re back on the radio entertaining us all.’

Get well soon! The star’s fans were quick to respond with some well wishes in response to Tony’s post on Twitter

And another person posted, ‘Wishing you the best Tony and a speedy recovery – we need you back on the air when you’re fully recovered! You are THE sound of the 60’s as another fan posted, ‘Get well soon Tony. It’s not the same without you xx.’

Another fan wrote: ‘well soon Tony, your health must come first. Take care of yourself and take care of yourself. I’m 62 now and I still have my first signed photo of you when I was about 10. I was in your fan club. Lots of love Isabell xx.’

Tony was forced to pull out of his BBC Radio 2 show last week and postpone performances on doctor’s orders amid an ongoing health problem.

He was replaced for a second time by stand-in Johnnie Walker on his Saturday show, Sounds Of The Sixties.

He later shared an update on Twitter informing his fans that he “needed some time off to recover” from a nasty respiratory infection.

Tony explained that he would be off the air for the next few weeks and would have to reschedule his live shows that were due to take place in Swindon and Redhill.

On hold: He announced he would be quitting his BBC Radio 2 show until he is better and postponing his Sounds of the 60s live appearances

The broadcaster explained: ‘Hello people. Just to let you all know, I’ve had a little recurrence of the chest infection I had a few weeks ago.

‘My doctor has told me I haven’t taken the time to recover properly so I’m on a break from radio this weekend and sadly have had to postpone the Sounds of the 60s shows in Swindon and Redhill next week too.

“However, there are already new dates in the calendar and I really hope to be with you again soon.

“I want to thank you all for your kind words, I am listening to the doctors and this time I will recover well, which I did not do before.

“To those of you who have booked to see the show next week, I’m so sorry, but we’re arranging new dates and your tickets will be fine xx.”

Johnnie, 78, took over last Saturday and announced: “It’s my pleasure to be with you for the next few hours, so let’s get down to business as usual.”

Last month, Tony caused a stir with fans when he was absent from his BBC Radio 2 show again.

The presenter, who presents Sounds of the 60s on Saturdays between 6am and 8am, confirmed he was home sick in a message he shared on Friday night.

Tony wrote on Twitter: ‘I’m sorry to say I won’t be doing my shows this weekend as I have a very nasty virus that is taking its time to go away.

‘Tomorrow you will hear my special ‘Happy Birthday show’ on Sounds Of The Sixties and on Sunday there will be a recorded Golden Hour. Good evening.’