Bert Newton is seriously ill in hospital, suffering from pneumonia

Legendary perormer Bert Newton is seriously ill in hospital, suffering from pneumonia.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford broken the news on 3AW this afternoon, advising that the 72 year old is at Melbourne’s private Epworth hospital.

“Bert, who was has been away performing in Wicked in Adelaide, was back in Melbourne and spending lots of time with his little granddaughter because he hadn’t seen her for so long. Lots of kisses and cuddles and next thing, Bert’s caught it.”

“Obviously pneumonia is a dicey illness at the best of times and fingers crossed he’s going to be OK, but his condition I’m told is serious. There’s no word on when he will be out of hospital or when he can resume his role in Wicked over in Perth,” Ford said.

‘Moonface’ as he is affectionately known is beloved for his dedication and passion to performing, as evidenced through his continual showbiz work in television and theatre.

Update: Nine News reports Patti Newton has clarified Bert is not gravely ill, and was previously hospitalised for pneumonia earlier this year.

A spokeswoman for the hospital could not confirm earlier reports Newton’s condition was serious, saying only that he was suffering from viral pneumonia, but was ‘‘doing well’’.

I agree with AA. I remember meeting Bert as child awhile visting channel 9 back in the late 60′s. Real nice guy. Bert is really the last link of great era of Aussie TV.Rainbow says: