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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

BBC host suffers heart problem live ON AIR as programme interrupted

BBC Radio Devon’s morning broadcast was interrupted yesterday after its usual presenter had a "heart issue."

David Fitzgerald usually presents the morning programme and was on air for only for half an hour before Michael Chequer stood in.

Michael told listeners: “It is Thursday morning, Michael Chequer in for David Fitzgerald who is feeling a little under the weather. He has left the studio to get himself checked out. He is absolutely fine, we will keep you updated and let you know. He will be back with you ASAP”.

A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: “Fitz is recovering well at home and is hoping to be back on air soon.”

After being forced to leave the BBC Radio studio to undergo a medical examination, David took to Facebook last night to reassure fans he was doing okay and wrote: “Just a little heart issue this morning, on the radio… thank you Derriford.”

David Fitzgerald was forced to stop hosting his BBC radio show after suffering a heart issue (BBC)

He also shared a photo of himself from a hospital bed, plugged into various feeds, but looking happy.

Hundreds of fans took to social media to share their well wishes.

One wrote: “Take care Fitz. All the very best to you for a speedy recovery”, while another said: “Get well soon Fitz, wishing you a speedy recovery xx”

One fan penned: “Hope your better soon Fitz," while another wrote: “So sorry to hear that you have had a scare David keep smiling and rest x.”

Devon Live reports that David has worked for Sky News and covered every major world event from the arrest of O.J.Simpson to Waiko and the Oklahoma bombings.

He reported on the death of Diana Princess of Wales, the war in Bosnia, General Elections, Royal Weddings and every major headline grabbing story for seven years.

Recently he wrote for Spitting Image, won The Olympic Committee's award for television production for The Red Arrows Documentary and even appeared as a question in Trivial Pursuit.

David is not the first presenter to fall ill amid his live show. Earlier this year, Lorraine Kelly had to be sent home before her live show started after feeling poorly.

In February Lorraine was due to host her ITV show of the same name but Good Morning Britain hosts Kate Garraway and Ed Balls confirmed she was sent home.

They said it was the first time in a long time, maybe ever, that Lorraine had missed a show because she was ill.

Lorraine Kelly had to leave her show before it began when she fell ill in February (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The TV presenter took to Twitter to confirm she was sick before “suddenly being attacked“ by an unknown illness.

Ranvir Singh stepped into replace the TV favourite, and confirmed she rushed into work to help ITV bosses out. She revealed to Kate and Ed: “I got a call from the editor at 7.18 and I was on the train at 7.30,“ before wishing Lorraine well.

Taking to Twitter, Lorraine confirmed she was unwell with a “hideous“ bug and was gutted to miss interviewing Adam Lambert.

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