Famed restaurateur Rick Stein has confessed that he believed he would “be dead” before his critical heart surgery.
The celebrity chef joined ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (February 25) to reflect on his extensive career. During the conversation, Rick openly discussed his previous health struggles, including a severe heart condition.
The 78-year-old had been experiencing breathlessness for several years when he was informed that without surgery, his life was at risk.
Rick underwent an operation in 2022 at the Royal Brompton Hospital after his cardiologist analysed his echocardiogram (ECG) and diagnosed him with a failing aorta.
On today’s GMB, presenter asked: “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,'” reports .
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Rick Stein appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (February 25) (Image: ITV)
“To be honest, Susanna, if I hadn’t of had it, I’d be dead,” Rick admitted.
“It’s funny because afterwards 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’.”
“‘I’m not gonna last,’ that’s what I said,” Rick added, with co-host Richard Madeley chiming in: “Well, you’re still going strong.”
In a recent interview, Rick expressed his enthusiasm for his imminent tour starting next month. The celebrated chef, who has garnered multiple awards, is set to visit theatres nationwide, bringing with him a wealth of passion and nearly half a century’s worth of culinary experience.
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Rick Stein underwent life-saving heart surgery in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)
“I did it this time last year, and it was a success, basically. I think most of the audience know 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 divulged.
He also confessed to being surprised by his own stage presence, saying: “It surprises me because I’m quite shy, and I’m quite good at anecdotes on stage.”
The tour, titled An Evening with Rick Stein, will cover 11 dates, kicking off in Brighton at the Theatre Royal on March 2 and wrapping up at Kendal’s Leisure Centre on March 15.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am