Comedian Mike Newall, 45, who found fame on Britain’s Got Talent, has been hospitalised after suffering a brain haemorrhage whilst on a family break in Wales.
The stand-up performer was at the beach with his wife Nico and their two children when he was suddenly struck by the medical emergency.
Nico Newall described the terrifying sequence of events in a social media post, revealing that her husband became “seriously ill” just moments after a family photograph had been taken on the sand.
With an ambulance unable to reach them quickly enough, Ms Newall made the decision to drive Mr Newall herself on a 40-minute dash to the nearest hospital, as he endured what she called “the most unbearable pain.”
Mike Newall performed for the BGT judges
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ITV
Scans at the local hospital confirmed a bleed on the brain, and Mr Newall was immediately transferred by blue-light ambulance to a specialist unit in Liverpool.
Upon arrival at the neurological facility, the family received devastating news. Ms Newall revealed that medical staff advised them to “prepare for the worst,” triggering what she described as “the most agonising night of our lives.”
Mercifully, the haemorrhage ceased of its own accord, sparing further damage. Throughout the ordeal, Ms Newall said her husband remained remarkably composed and upbeat.
His condition has since shown steady improvement, with pain now under control and vital signs trending each day positively.
Mike Newall performed in the 2020 series
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ITV
Medical teams continue to observe him around the clock, however, as doctors have cautioned that significant risks remain over the coming fortnight.
The full statement shared by Ms Newall on her other half’s Instagram page read: “How life can change in the blink of an eye. Moments after this photo was taken, Mike suddenly became seriously ill.
“We called an ambulance, but it was quicker for me to drive him 40 minutes to the nearest hospital, all while my brave, funny man battled the most unbearable pain. He was quickly blue-lighted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool after scans showed a brain haemorrhage.
“We were told to prepare for the worst, and so began the most agonising night of our lives. Thankfully, the bleed stopped.
Mike Newall’s wife shared the news on Instagram
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INSTAGRAM/MIKE NEWALL
“Even in the face of the worst, he remained so calm and positive. I’m so relieved to say that things have improved. His pain is being managed, his stats are improving every day and he is doing amazingly well.
“He still has a long road of recovery ahead, and there are risks the doctors are continuing to monitor round the clock over the next couple of weeks, so we’re taking everything one day at a time. But we’re feeling so much more hopeful today and just praying that he continues to make progress and makes a full recovery.
“We honestly can’t thank everyone enough for the prayers, messages, calls, love and support. We’ve been completely overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness. It has meant the absolute world to us.
“Friends and family are everything. As for the comedy community – I’ve been in tears all day at your generosity. Testament to what a incredible guy Mike is. One day at a time.”
Mike Newall didn’t make it to the BGT finals
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ITV
The news of Mr Newall’s hospitalisation emerged after his close friend, promoter Peter Vincent, established a GoFundMe campaign with a £16,000 target to ease the financial burden on the family.
Donations have already surpassed £12,000, fuelled by contributions from fellow comedians, industry figures and fans.
Mr Newall won over audiences when he appeared on series 14 of the ITV talent show in 2020, performing a routine about bath bombs and break-ups.
Simon Cowell dubbed him the “Noel Gallagher of comedy” owing to his accent and haircut. He did not progress beyond the semi-final stage, with Jon Courtenay ultimately winning the series.