Chef Brian Turner, 76, reveals he had a stroke

2023-01-14

Chef Brian Turner, 76, reveals he had a stroke last summer and thanks ‘fantastic’ hospital staff as he appears on James Martin’s Saturday Morning

Brian Turner has revealed that he had a stroke last summer and thanked the ‘fantastic’ hospital staff who looked after him
The chef, 76, brought viewers to tears as he shared his health struggles during an appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Morning
Brian said he is recovering after being hospitalised with a stroke in June, apologising in case he ‘stammered’ during the segment
After the show aired, James took to Twitter to thank fans for their support, saying Brian had been ‘in tears’ at the kind messages

Brian Turner has revealed that he was hospitalised after having a stroke last summer and thanked the ‘fantastic’ medical staff who looked after him.

The renowned celebrity chef, 76, brought viewers to tears as he shared his recent health struggles during an appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

James, who describes Brian as his ‘TV dad’, introduced the Ready Steady Cook star for a segment which saw them cook a delicious lamb meal together.

Health: Brian Turner has revealed that he had a stroke last summer and thanked the ‘fantastic’ hospital staff who looked after him

But before they got to work, James reminded Brian that he had something he wanted to share live on-air, with the restauranteur then revealing that he had a stroke in June.

Prompting Brian, James said: ‘First of all, you want to say thank you – there’s the camera – because you’ve not been very well recently.’

Brian then shared that he is recovering after being hospitalised with a stroke last summer, apologising to viewers in case he ‘stammered’ during the segment.

He revealed: ‘Yeah well unfortunately I had a stroke in June this year and the people at the London hospital were fantastic and helpful. So excuse me if I make a stammer occasionally, but we will catch up at the end.’

Career: Brian has featured on BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook since 1994 and has made regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen across the years

Emotional: The chef, 76, brought viewers to tears as he shared his recent health struggles during an appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Morning

A supportive James gushed: ‘It’s OK, it’s OK. I love you fella. So a round of applause for everyone who’ve been looking after you. It’s a pleasure to have you back, you’re welcome anytime.’

Following his appearance on the weekend cooking show, emotional viewers took to Twitter to admit they were brought to tears by his revelation as they also praised James for his kind words.

One person wrote: ‘Was lovely to see Brian Turner on today. Had no idea he’d been ill. Thoughts with him and his family, but what a guy still out there doing what he loves. Culinary legend and a good bloke.’

Close bond: James, who describes Brian as his ‘TV dad’, introduced the Ready Steady Cook star and the pair started cooking together, when Brian revealed he had a stroke in June

Sharing: Brian said: ‘Yeah well unfortunately I had a stroke in June this year and the people at the London hospital were fantastic and helpful. So excuse me if I make a stammer occasionally’

Another said: ‘Nice piece on @jamesmartinchef this morning where we saw the return of Brian Turner who has been recuperating from a stroke.

‘Lovely TV and proper food brought to life by Brian with empathy from James. I may have some dust in my eye…’

A third tweeted, ‘Love Brian Turner, great to see him looking so well,’ while a fourth added: ‘Bless Brian turner brought a tear to my eyes seeing him today god bless you both.’

And a fifth penned: ‘Two great chefs, always had a lovely bond when James hugged him think there’s something in my eye. Brian you were ace.’

Tearful: Following his appearance on the show, emotional viewers took to Twitter to admit they were brought to tears by his revelation as they praised James for being ‘supportive’

Another commented: ‘Just loved seeing Brian Turner on the show this morning. It was so touching to see the love and respect between both chefs. James, you were so gentle and supportive.’

After the show aired, James also took to Twitter to thank fans for all their support, saying Brian had been ‘in tears’ after hearing of all the kind messages.

He tweeted: ‘Wow, well what can we both say just had Brian on the phone, ended in both us in tears at the amazing messages and support from you all…he wanted me to tell you all out there “thank you” for all of them!’

Support: After the show aired, James also took to Twitter to thank fans for all their support, saying Brian had been ‘in tears’ at the kind messages

Brian has a very close relationship with James having made regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen over the years.

The popular TV chef has featured on BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook since 1994, as well as frequently appearing on This Morning and presenting an array of cookery programmes, including A Taste Of Britain and My Life On A Plate.

He has also worked at and launched an array of esteemed restaurants in London, including celebrity hotspot The Greenhouse in Mayfair, visited by the likes of Gary Rhodes and Paul Merrett, and The Millennium Hotel in Grosvenor Square.

Acclaim: The popular TV chef (pictured in the 1990s) has also worked at and launched an array of restaurants in London, including celebrity hotspot The Greenhouse in Mayfair

Impressive: Brian (pictured in December 2016), who was born in Halifax, was awarded a rare Michelin star in 1973 after opening The Capital Hotel with Richard

Accolades: In 2002, Brian was featured on the Queen’s birthday honours list and was awarded a CBE for his services to tourism and training in the catering industry

Before launching his own eateries, Brian trained under Richard Shepherd at prestigious restaurants Simpson’s in the Strand and The Savoy Grill.

Brian, who was born in Halifax, was awarded a rare Michelin star in 1973 after opening The Capital Hotel with Richard.

In 2002, Brian was featured on the Queen’s birthday honours list and was awarded a CBE for his services to tourism and training in the catering industry.

As well as a successful career as a TV chef, Brian has also penned a number of cookery books, including A Taste Of Summer, Grills and Barbeques and A Yorkshire Lad: My Life with Recipes.

THE CAUSES OF STROKE

There are two major kinds of stroke:

1. ISCHEMIC STROKE

An ischemic stroke – which accounts for 80 per cent of strokes – occurs when there is a blockage in a blood vessel that prevents blood from reaching part of the brain.

2. HEMORRHAGIC STROKE

The more rare, a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel bursts, flooding part of the brain with too much blood while depriving other areas of adequate blood supply.

It can be the result of an AVM, or arteriovenous malformation (an abnormal cluster of blood vessels), in the brain.

Thirty percent of subarachnoid hemorrhage sufferers die before reaching the hospital. A further 25 per cent die within 24 hours. And 40 per cent of survivors die within a week.

RISK FACTORS

Age, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, family history, and history of a previous stroke or TIA (a mini stroke) are all risk factors for having a stroke.

SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

OUTCOMES

Of the roughly three out of four people who survive a stroke, many will have life-long disabilities.

This includes difficulty walking, communicating, eating, and completing everyday tasks or chores.

TREATMENT

Both are potentially fatal, and patients require surgery or a drug called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) within three hours to save them.

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