Tim Healy: I was close to death

Tim Healy says he is now fighting fit after his health problems last year.

The North East actor has told ITV News Tyne Tees a routine operation on his gall bladder in Spain put him out of action for filming in the hit TV series Benidorm.

His wife Joan, ex-wife Denise Welch and youngest son Louis all flew out to see him while he was laid up in a Spanish hospital.

Tim says he has now been back and has finished filming the new series which hits our screens in January.

Tim is now focused on raising money for his friend and fellow actor Dave Whittaker who had a bad stroke in 2012.

A golf tournament is being held at Linden Hall in Northumberland on September 7 to help raise money for Dave's ongoing care.