Celebrity chef Rick Stein feared 'he'd be dead' before life-changing move
Celebrated restaurateur Rick Stein has recently revealed he thought he might "be dead" if it weren't for his vital heart procedure. The famed chef appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday,February 25, to reflect on his illustrious career and during the chat, Rick opened up about his past health scares, including a serious heart issue.
At 78 years old, Rick had been dealing with symptoms of breathlessness for several years before being told he would die without surgery. In 2022, he had an operation at the Royal Brompton Hospital once his cardiologist examined his echocardiogram (ECG) results and warned him of his aorta's deterioration, as reported by Cornwall Live. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
On Tuesday's episode of GMB, presenter Susanna Reid enquired: "A couple of years ago, you had life-saving heart surgery. I know that your feeling is, 'I'm healthy, I'm well, I look forward,' but do you, sort of, just sometimes think, 'Goodness me, it could have gone another way'."
READ MORE: ITV Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson's life now as he debuts dramatic new look
Rick admitted: "To be honest, Susanna, if I hadn't had it, I'd be dead". He also described a post-surgery interview experience: "It's funny because afterward, I did this interview for The Times, and the guy said, 'How are you? ' and I said, 'I'm extremely well, with the best will in the world, and I'm feeling really well, but I can only live another 20 years, right? ' But they cut out the last bit because I said, 'I'm gonna die, you know'."
Rick elaborated: "'I'm not gonna last,' that's what I said," which led co-host Richard Madeley to chime in with a positive note: "Well, you're still going strong."
In a different segment of the conversation, Rick shared his excitement about his upcoming tour that's set to begin next month. The renowned chef is gearing up to travel across the country, gracing theatres with his presence and sharing tales and experiences from his distinguished career that's nearly reached the half-century mark.
"I did it this time last year, and it was a success, basically. I think most of the audience knows me from all the television programmes, so it's sort of like talking to people. It's not like being a stand-up comedian and having to say that you're actually funny - people know who I am," Rick revealed. He also admitted to being somewhat surprised by how comfortable he feels performing: "It surprises me because I'm quite shy, and I'm quite good at anecdotes on stage."
'An Evening with Rick Stein' promises to be an intimate series of events, spanning 11 dates, starting off at Brighton's Theatre Royal on March 2 and concluding at Kendal's Leisure Centre on March 15.
