Susanna Reid and Ed Balls had to interrupt Good Morning Britain on Wednesday to share some breaking news about Brian May. The Queen guitarist was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.
Ed started: “Breaking news this morning, the Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed he suffered a stroke that left him unable to use his arm. The legendary musician made this announcement this morning in a video.”
Brian said in the Instagram clip: “I’m here to bring you first of all some news, I think. The good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days.
“I say this because I was in some doubt because that little health hiccup happened about a week ago. What they called it was a ‘minor stroke’.”
“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm, so it was a little scary,” reports the Express.
He continued: “I had the most fantastic care and attention from Frimley Hospital; blue lights flashing the lot, very exciting.
“I didn’t want to say anything at the time because I didn’t want anything surrounding, you know. I really don’t want sympathy, please don’t do that because it will clutter up my inbox.”
Brian concluded the video message: “The good news is I’m ok and doing what I’m told which is basically nothing, I’m grounded, I’m not allowed to go out, drive, get on a plane, I’m not allowed to raise the heart rate too high. But I am good.”
Susanna sent her well-wishes on air, stating: “We wish the Queen guitarist our very best, Brian May.”
Ed then commented with light-hearted optimism: “At least he can use his hand, though,” prompting Susanna to observe further: “That is very significant.”
After the iconic musician expressed his health challenges on social media, supportive messages from fans poured in.
One fan expressed their concern, writing: “Something affecting your arm and not being able to play guitar must have been very scary for you. Little is a huge understatement, I guess everything about you is humble. Minor or large a stroke is always scary and has to be taken very seriously, but good to see you doing well.”
Another voiced relief and caution, posting: “I’m very happy to hear that you’re doing so well! Strokes, large or small, as you know, are serious business and I hope you will heed your doc’s orders in every way, as frustrating as they may be! We want you to stay healthy for a long, lonnnnng time to come! ” (sic).
Adding to the outpouring of support, another follower said: “Thanks for updating and showing us your smile. I can’t even imagine exactly what you’re really going through, but I hope you’ll feel better very soon and enjoy playing guitar again.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.