Paul O'Grady facing heart surgery after suffering angina attack

The 58-year-old comedian has had two heart attacks previously

Paul O'Grady in his show 'For the Love of Dogs' (ITV)

Television presenter Paul O'Grady is in hospital after suffering an angina attack, a friend has said.

The 58-year-old comedian, who has had two heart attacks previously, told radio DJ Pete Price he was undergoing surgery today.

In a text message sent to Mr Price yesterday, he said: “I have had an angina attack and I will need a few days' rest.

“I am going to be out of the game for quite a while, and am going in for surgery tomorrow.”

Mr Price told the Liverpool Echo that O'Grady had been overworking.

He said: “I just love him to bits, and he has been overdoing it.

“He has just come back from Africa doing some work for a new TV show next year, and then there are all his animals and all the other things he does.

“When I saw he wasn't on TV I texted to ask what had happened and he told me about it. He is a total workaholic, and I have told him he needs to take things easy.”

O'Grady's ITV early evening chat show was instead hosted by singer Michael Ball yesterday.

A message on the show's Twitter feed read: “Sadly Paul's feeling poorly, but join Michael Ball and guests tonight, it'll be a hoot!”

Presenter Stephen Mulhern said he had been brought in to front today's show, tweeting: “Get well soon Paul I will look after the show for you!”

TV stars took to Twitter to wish O'Grady their best.

Phillip Schofield said: “Sending lots of love to Paul O'Grady tonight. Get well soon mate x”

PA