By Brooke Ivey Johnson

Copyright metro

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For more than six decades, Tony Blackburn has been a constant presence on Britain’s airwaves.

The 82-year-old radio veteran, who became the first voice heard on BBC Radio 1 in 1967 and now fronts Sounds of the 60s on Radio 2, has long been synonymous with the soundtrack of post-war Britain.

But speaking on ITV’s Loose Women this week, Blackburn revealed that his remarkable career almost came to a sudden end just two years ago.

‘I had sepsis, yes, two years ago,’ he told host Ruth Langsford.

‘I gather I nearly died but I wasn’t aware of it,’ he said.

With his trademark dry humour, he recalled the moment he realised his family were gathered anxiously around his hospital bed: ‘I woke up one morning and all my family were around me and I thought, “God, they’re not going to get my money yet.” So I recovered!’

Tony addressed the scary situation with humour (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

He described waking up to find he was surrounded by family (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

The brush with mortality was softened by the support of an old friend: former BBC colleague Noel Edmonds, now based in New Zealand and recently back on screens with Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure.

Blackburn said the two exchanged messages throughout his recovery, with Edmonds’ encouragement helping to keep his spirits high.

It is a recovery that has proved decisive.

Tony was the first winner of I’m a Celebrity in 2002 (Picture: Cameron Laird/REX/Shutterstock)

Blackburn is once again in full health and preparing for another chapter in a career that has spanned pirate radio, chart shows, and even the jungle — he was famously crowned the very first winner of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! back in 2002.

Now, his focus is firmly on the music that started it all. The Sounds of the 60s tour, returning in 2026, brings together an all-star live band to perform the hits of the decade – from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Elvis, and Marvin Gaye.

‘2026 is going to be another fantastic year for the tour,” he added. ‘I can’t wait to travel the country with this amazing band, sharing the music I’ve loved my whole life.’

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