Radio presenter suffers ‘heart attack’ live on air a day after being told he’s being made redundant

A broadcast presenter who suffered a heart problem live on air was told he had lost his job the day before as a part of the broadcaster’s cuts to local radio.

BBC Radio Devon presenter David Fitzgerald experienced a ‘heart issue’ while presenting his morning programme – a day after he was made redundant in a ‘hunger games’ style round of interviews.

He was on air for half an hour yesterday before his colleague Michael Chequer was forced to take his place.

David’s wife, Queenie Fitzgerald, revealed the news on Facebook and suggested that the news might have triggered his heart problem.

She said: ‘He was told yesterday that he is being made redundant and then expected to go on air today as nothing had happened!

‘Talk about cruel as his wide I’m bl**dy fuming with the management of BBC Radio Devon.’

She added: ‘After talking to the consultant today, it’s very possible this was the trigger for his heart problem!’

Michael informed listeners on the morning show: ‘It is Thursday morning, Michael Chequer in for David Fitzgerald who is feeling a little under the weather.

‘He has left the studio to get himself checked out.

‘He is absolutely fine, we will keep you updated and let you know. He will be back with you ASAP.’

To the relief of fans, last night David took to Facebook to update them on his well-being.

He said: ‘Just a little heart issue this morning, on the radio… thank you Derriford.’

The presenter also shared a photo of himself on a hospital bed and surrounded by various wires, however, he posed happily with a smile.

Hundreds of fans took to social media to share their well wishes. One wrote: ‘Recover quickly, always miss you when you’re not on’.

Read More: Regional BBC TV news programmes are forced off air as journalists strike against proposed cuts to local radio

Another said: ‘So sorry to hear that you have had a scare David keep smiling and rest’

A third added: ‘Not quite the sort of radio drama anyone needs! Hope you’re all better soon!’

A BBC Spokesperson said: ‘Fitz is recovering well at home and is hoping to be back on air soon.’

David began working in radio back in 1980, where he gradually moved through ILR and into television by 1986.

By 1994 he was working as a US presenter for Sky News, covering events including the arrest of OJ Simpson, to the Oklahoma bombings.

He also reported on the death of Princess Diana, the Bosnian War, General Elections, and Royal Weddings.

Over the recent years, David has presented BBC shows, written for Spitting Image, and appeared as a question in Trivial Pursuit.