Tony Blackburn Illness and Health Update, Does Tony Blackburn Wear a Wig? What Illness Does Tony Blackburn Have?
by Rubaditsha | Updated Oct 13, 2023
Tony Blackburn Illness and Health Update
BBC Radio DJ Tony Blackburn's health took a severe turn when he had to cancel his Sound Of the 60s UK Tour earlier this year, citing a chest infection. However, he recently revealed that his condition was much graver, involving sepsis, pneumonia, and blood poisoning. He had pushed himself too hard, doing three shows a week despite his age. This led to a two-month hospital stay, during which he realized the seriousness of his situation when his family gathered around his hospital bed.
Now, Blackburn has made a remarkable recovery and been declared cured by his specialist. He has returned to his tour, but at a reduced pace of one show per week. He's also back on BBC Radio 2 and has launched a new show on BBC Radio London. Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection, can often be mistaken for other illnesses. Blackburn's story serves as a reminder of the importance of taking health seriously and not underestimating symptoms.
Does Tony Blackburn Wear a Wig?
There have been occasional speculations about whether Tony Blackburn wears a wig, particularly during his stint on "I'm a Celebrity." A wig expert hinted at the possibility of him wearing a toupee during that time. However, there is no substantial, widespread evidence to definitively confirm that Tony Blackburn consistently wears a hairpiece or wig. Over the years, like most people, his natural hair might have naturally changed due to factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle.
It's essential to remember that changes in appearance can be a part of the aging process, and not all variations necessarily involve the use of hairpieces or wigs. Speculations regarding celebrities and their appearance are common, but they should be considered as personal opinions rather than established facts. In the case of Tony Blackburn, whether he wears a wig or not remains a subject of debate and personal interpretation.
What Illness Does Tony Blackburn Have?
Tony Blackburn's recent health issues involved a severe illness that led to his withdrawal from the Sound Of the 60s UK Tour. Initially, he attributed his absence to a chest infection. However, he later disclosed that his condition was more critical, as it included sepsis, pneumonia, and blood poisoning.
This combination of illnesses posed a significant threat to his life. Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection, where the body's immune system overreacts and begins to harm its own tissues and organs. Fortunately, after a two-month hospitalization, Tony Blackburn has made a remarkable recovery and been declared cured by his specialist.
Despite the seriousness of his health scare, he has since returned to his professional commitments, including his radio shows and tours. His experience underscores the importance of recognizing the symptoms of sepsis and seeking prompt medical attention when faced with such a potentially life-threatening condition.
Who is Tony Blackburn?
Anthony Kenneth Blackburn, born on January 29, 1943, is a prominent figure in English entertainment, excelling as a disc jockey, singer, and TV presenter. His career took off in the 1960s when he gained recognition through radio broadcasting on the pirate stations Radio Caroline and Radio London. Later, he made a significant move to the BBC, working on the BBC Light Programme.
Notably, Tony Blackburn holds the distinction of being the first disc jockey to grace the airwaves of BBC Radio 1 when it launched on September 30, 1967. Throughout his career, he has had multiple tenures with the BBC and contributed to other stations like Capital London and Classic Gold Digital. Presently, he continues his radio work on BBC Radio 2, BBC Local Radio, and the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
In addition to his radio career, Blackburn has ventured into the world of music as a singer. He is renowned for his enthusiastic support of Motown and soul music and is celebrated for his distinctive and legendary presenting style.
In 2002, Tony Blackburn made a notable shift into reality television by becoming the inaugural winner of the British series "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" This diverse and accomplished career has cemented him as a respected and enduring figure in British entertainment.
Name
Anthony Kenneth Blackburn
Born
29 January 1943 (age 80)
Place of Birth
Guildford, Surrey, England
Occupations
Disc jockey, Singer, TV Presenter, Broadcaster
Years Active
1964–present
Spouses
Tessa Wyatt (m. 1972; div. 1977), Debbie Thompson (m. 1992)
Children
2
Tony Blackburn Career
Tony Blackburn embarked on his career as a singer but swiftly transitioned to the role of a disc jockey. He made his mark working for offshore pirate radio stations, specifically Radio Caroline and Radio London, from 1964 to 1967. Subsequently, in the summer of 1967, he joined the BBC, initially broadcasting on the BBC Light Programme.
A significant milestone in his career occurred when he became the inaugural DJ heard on BBC Radio 1's official launch at 7 am on September 30, 1967. Blackburn warmly greeted listeners with the words, "And good morning everyone! Welcome to the exciting new sound of Radio 1!" He played The Move's "Flowers in the Rain," marking the station's beginning.
In his early Radio 1 days, Blackburn primarily played mainstream pop, but he later became a passionate advocate for soul music. His influence extended to the release of Diana Ross's "I'm Still Waiting" as a single in the UK in 1971, which went on to top the charts.
Blackburn was a familiar face on "Top of the Pops" for a decade and hosted his show, "Time For Blackburn," in 1968. His popularity was such that he and his fellow Radio 1 DJs were celebrated almost as much as the artists they featured.
However, in 1973, Blackburn faced controversy when he commented on the miners' strike during a pantomime performance, urging them to return to work. This led to his temporary removal from the airwaves. He later learned to keep his political opinions private, emphasizing the importance of not revealing political allegiances as a broadcaster.
How Old is Tony Blackburn?
As of 2023, Tony Blackburn is 80 years old. He was born in Guildford, Surrey, on January 29, 1943. In 1946, his family relocated to Poole, Dorset, where his youngest sister, Jacqueline, was born, but she suffered from polio and has been unable to walk since birth. Blackburn's father, Kenneth Fleming Blackburn, worked as a general practitioner, while his mother, Pauline Cubitt (née Stone), pursued a career in nursing.
His early education was at Castle Court School in Parkstone, Poole, Dorset. Later, he secured a sports scholarship that granted him admission to Millfield in Somerset, where he took on the role of the school's cricket team captain. Remarkably, Blackburn left Millfield before taking any formal examinations but subsequently acquired O-level qualifications through private tutoring.
He then enrolled in a Business Studies HND (Higher National Diploma) program at Bournemouth Technical College, showcasing his determination to pursue education and career prospects outside the academic norm.
Where Does Tony Blackburn Live?
Tony Blackburn resides in Arkley, a picturesque area located in Barnet, which falls within the Hertfordshire region of the borough. This serene and charming location serves as the home for the celebrated English celebrity. While Tony Blackburn has made a name for himself through his dynamic career as a disc jockey, singer, and television host, he has chosen to call this scenic corner of Barnet his personal residence.
In this tranquil setting, he enjoys the comforts of home amidst the demands of his multifaceted professional life, which has encompassed radio, television, and music. His residence in Arkley is not only a place of retreat but also a reflection of the success and achievements that have characterized his career. It's here that he can unwind and recharge, surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility of his chosen abode in Hertfordshire.
Tony Blackburn Illness and Health Update:FAQs
Tony Blackburn is a prominent English celebrity known for his work as a disc jockey, singer, and television host.
Blackburn started his career on offshore pirate radio stations like Radio Caroline and Radio London in the 1960s before joining the BBC Light Programme.
He was the first disc jockey to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 when it launched in 1967.
He won the inaugural season of the British reality TV program "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here" in 2002.
Blackburn was born in Guildford, Surrey, and grew up in Poole, Dorset. He gained entry to Millfield in Somerset on a sports scholarship and later pursued further education in Business Studies at Bournemouth Technical College.