Updated: Bert Newton admitted to hospital in Singapore

Bert Newton has been admitted to hospital in Singapore.

The 73-year-old Australian television personality, who was hospitalised with pneumonia last year, was initially believed to have been admitted for emergency surgery to have a stent fitted for a heart problem. However, the star has since insisted that he is only suffering from a "heavy cold".

Newton was apparently forced to take leave from the production of the musical Wicked, in which he plays the Wizard of Oz, a few days ago. His doctor has advised that he rests until Tuesday (February 14).

He said in a written statement issued by the Nine Network: "I'll be back fighting fit - if not at the weekend, I'll be on stage by Tuesday. Because of the fact I had pneumonia last June, I need to be extra careful when a cold strikes to ensure it doesn't become anything more serious.''

A Nine spokesperson added that she had spoken to Newton on the phone and he seemed to be in "good spirits", adding: "Bert says he is over the worst part of it."

The star's wife Patti has reportedly been unable to visit him in hospital as she is currently filming the second series of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia.

The couple's daughter Lauren is pregnant with her third child, which is due in March. Their son Matthew is in Sydney, where he is facing charges of assault against a tax driver.

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