Television and radio presenter Richard Bacon is recovering after being in a medically induced coma for the past seven days, his mother has said.
The former Blue Peter presenter became ill while on a flight to Britain from the United States and was rushed to hospital as soon as the plane landed eight days ago.
His mother Christine Bacon has now said that "although he is not responding to us very well yet we can see that he is getting better".
She told the Mansfield Chad newspaper: "He was having a lot of oxygen ventilation.... as well as lots of antibiotics. They kept him like that for a week and we hadn't left his side, at one point we really felt we might lose him."
"It was such a relief when he opened his eyes, although he is not responding to us very well yet we can see that he is getting better."
She added: "The doctors have said that he is very distressed and confused after being in a coma for a week... and that we need to keep talking to him and reminding him of where he is.
"There's a long way to go yet, but this is a very positive step and it has eased my mind."
She also tweeted that she is "sure he'll come through this".
As many people know, my son @richardpbacon has been in a medically induced coma in intensive care for a week but he’s young, he’s fit and the NHS have been brilliant, and I’m sure he’ll come through this. Been very worrying. We’ve received so many lovely messages👏
— Christine Bacon (@xtinebacon) July 13, 2018
Initially Bacon was well enough to update his social media followers with a picture of himself in hospital with the caption: "It’s the NHS’s 70th birthday today. I hate to miss a party."
However his sister confirmed that his condition quickly worsened and he was placed in an induced coma. The BBC also reports that the 42-year-old dad of two had to have a tracheotomy to help him breath.
Taking to Instagram Juliet Bacon said: "This is my seventh day visiting my brother who’s been in an induced coma since last Thursday, just so grateful to the NHS x"
Radio Nottingham presenter Dean Jackson helped launch Bacon's career by giving him his first job on air and has kept in touch with the family.
"He is being kept in the coma to get more oxygen into his system but they are hoping to reduce the sedative soon, so hopefully there will be good news," he said.
A number of other well know faces have taken to social media to wish Bacon a speedy recovery including comedian Keith Lemon, radio and television presenter Toby Anstis, Professor Green and Gary Linekar.
Sending magical powers to Richard Bacon x
— Keith Lemon (@lemontwittor) July 12, 2018
Thoughts are with Richard Bacon’s family. Awful to see this. Let’s hope he’s going to be ok.
— Toby Anstis (@tobyanstis) July 12, 2018
As well as Blue Peter Bacon has presented a number of television and radio shows including The Big Breakfast, Top of the Pops, BBC Radio 5 live and BBC 6 Music.
He has since moved to the Los Angeles where he has a show on Fox TV.
Bacon has been married to Rebecca McFarlane since 2008, and the couple have two children, Arthur, 6 and daughter Ivy, 3.
