Celebrity Gogglebox favourite Shaun Ryder has opened up about a serious health scare that saw him collapse after finishing a tour with his band Happy Mondays.
BBC Breakfast Health Revelation
The musician appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, January 6, alongside bandmate Bez to mark 35 years since the release of their iconic album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches. During the interview with hosts Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell, the conversation turned to Ryder's physical wellbeing.
"How are you physically, because you weren't well before Christmas, were you?" Kay asked. Shaun Ryder then disclosed that he had contracted pneumonia while on tour. He explained that he had to rely on painkillers to get through the performances, describing the mindset as "old school" where "you have to get the job done".
Tour Struggle Leads to Collapse
The health crisis came to a head when Ryder returned home. The situation was so severe that he was unable to attend the funeral of Mani, the former Stone Roses bassist and a close friend. "I got back the day before Mani's funeral and collapsed, so I couldn't even go," he told the BBC Breakfast presenters.
This candid admission revealed the extent of his illness, which followed him relentlessly from the tour directly back to his personal life, forcing him to miss a significant and sombre event.
Recovery and Looking Ahead
Thankfully, the singer reported that he is now on the mend. He confirmed that he was prescribed a course of antibiotics, which have helped him recover from the serious chest infection.
The interview was primarily scheduled to promote Happy Mondays' upcoming anniversary tour, which is set to kick off in March to celebrate their seminal album. Fans of the duo, who have been a hilarious staple on Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox since 2019, will be relieved to hear of his improvement.
Ryder and Bez are beloved for their unfiltered and humorous commentary on the hit TV show, making this health update particularly concerning for their many followers. Their unique chemistry and outspoken opinions have cemented their place as one of the programme's most popular pairings.
