Celebrated chef Rick Stein has shared a candid revelation about his health, admitting he thought he would "be dead" if not for his urgent heart surgery. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (February 25), the culinary star reflected on his career and opened up about his past health scare.

The 78-year-old had been dealing with breathlessness for years before being told his life was in jeopardy without surgical intervention, reports the Express. In 2022, Rick underwent a critical operation at the Royal Brompton Hospital when his cardiologist discovered a failing aorta from an echocardiogram (ECG).

During the GMB interview, host Susanna Reid enquired about his life-saving surgery, to which Rick responded, "To be honest, Susanna, if I hadn't of had it, I'd be dead."

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Speaking previously to The Times, he said: "It's funny because afterwards I did this interview for The Times and the guy said, 'How are you? ' and I said, 'I'm extremely well, with the best will in the world, and I'm feeling really well, but I can only live another 20 years, right? ' But they cut out the last bit because I said, 'I'm gonna die, you know'."

Rick humorously noted his own mortality, saying, "'I'm not gonna last,' that's what I said," prompting co-host Richard Madeley to comment, "Well, you're still going strong."

In a recent chat, the celebrated chef and TV personality shared his excitement about the upcoming tour starting next month. With multiple accolades to his name, Rick is gearing up to entertain audiences at theatres across the country, equipped with his infectious enthusiasm and almost fifty years of culinary wisdom.

Reflecting on his previous tour experience, he said: "I did it this time last year, and it was a success, basically. I think most of the audience know me from all the television programmes, so it's sort of like talking to people. It's not like being a stand-up comedian and having to say that you're actually funny - people know who I am.

"It surprises me because I'm quite shy, and I'm quite good at anecdotes on stage."

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