Post by Lisa-Marie on Jun 27, 2005 10:59:53 GMT
COUNTDOWN host Richard Whiteley died last night from heart problems. He was 61.
Hours earlier, the popular star was said to be recovering from an operation to cure an infected heart valve. His long term partner Kathryn Apanowicz, 45, was at his side at the end.
Richard, a diabetic and lifelong asthma sufferer had been on and off the critical list since first entering Bradford Royal Infirmary complaining of flu-like symptoms in May.
It is believed doctors performed a tracheotomoy they were so worried about his breathing.
The star developed pneumonia and on Thursday was transferred to a critical care unit at Leeds General Infirmary.
The following day doctors operated on the infected valve.
As his health caused mounting concern, Countdown co-presenter Carol Vorderman told friends: "All of us want him to get better as quickly as he can.
"He's the one who holds everyone together and makes us laugh. We want him back in his chair, telling bad jokes. I miss him terribly."
On Friday, the star's agent Vivienne Clore told the Mirror after the op: "Richard is recuperating.
"We're hopeful he'll recover. The operation was quite long, but could have been longer."
Yorkshire TV said yesterday: "He came through the op well and is making good progress. He's not critical."
Throughout Richard's stay in hospital former Coronation Street actress Kathryn kept a bedside vigil.
OBE-holder Richard, father of 17-year-old James by another relationship, shared his two Yorkshire homes with Kathryn.
Until his illness he had never missed a recording of Countdown in its 23-year history.