Tim Healy's ex-wife Denise Welch says actor is 'on the mend' after 'fighting for his life'

Denise Welch has reassured fans that Tim Healy is recovering after it was reported that the actor was ‘fighting for his life’.

Healy, 64, was reportedly rushed to hospital with a ‘mystery illness’ while filming scenes for Benidorm in Spain.

Welch updated fans on his condition and assured them that he is “on the mend” with his current wife Joan by his side.

She tweeted: “Thank you guys. Jo has been with Tim throughout. He is now safely back on home turf and on the mend & that's all I'll be saying xx.”

Healy and Welch were married for 24 years before divorcing in 2012. They have two sons, Matthew and Louis Healy together.

The Benidorm actor is said to have been in hospital for a month before being airlifted to a hospital in Manchester after his condition stabilised over the weekend.

A spokesman for ITV said: "Tim is feeling much better after his spell in hospital and all the Benidorm cast and crew wish him a healthy recovery in his own time.

"Filming schedules have been adjusted to accommodate Tim's absence on screen, the show is currently mid way through filming the new series which will air 2017."

Fans and colleagues took to Twitter to wish Healy well including Scott Garnham - who played the actor's son in the stage version of Billy Elliot.

"Well this is very sad," he tweeted. "Wishing @BillyElliotUK original Dad (Tim Healy) a speedy recover."

Healy's health problems have been publicised in the past. In 2011 he underwent surgery to unblock arteries in both his legs.

At the time, Welch said: “I was terrified Tim could die. I tried to stay strong for him but I was scared.”

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