Gossip Queen: Industry stars cheer Bert Newton after health scare
BERT Newton’s appearance at last weekend’s Logie Awards was met with a standing ovation by TV industry members after the TV legend spent four days in hospital with suspected pneumonia.
Fiona Byrne
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TV legend Bert Newton spent four days in hospital with suspected pneumonia before attending last weekend’s Logie Awards.
Newton’s appearance at the 60th edition of the Logies was met with a standing ovation by TV industry members, with the four-time Gold Logie winner delighted to be part of the award’s anniversary and to present the Graham Kennedy Award for most popular new talent named in honour of his great friend.
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However, it can be revealed he very nearly did not make it to the event, with his doctor admitting him to the Epworth hospital last Tuesday with concerns he may have had pneumonia. Newton, who turns 80 this month, has been susceptible to pneumonia over recent years and takes no chances with his health.
He was discharged on Friday afternoon and headed to the Gold Coast on Saturday morning with his wife Patti.
On his return to Melbourne on Monday he went back to the hospital for further tests but was not admitted.
Newton’s Logies speech sparked an outcry on social media, with concern voiced about his joking reference to his great mates Graham Kennedy and Don Lane “mentoring” people in their dressing rooms.
He quickly explained he meant nothing untoward with what was intended as a lighthearted quip.
“If I did offend somebody, or anybody, or a lot of people, I apologise — it was never intended at any stage of the game to offend,” he said.
With his milestone birthday approaching, Newton has received an early birthday present with news he is to be a grandfather again.
His daughter, Lauren, and her husband Matt Welsh are expecting their fifth child in December.
The couple has two daughters, Eva and Lola, and two sons, Sam and Monty.
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