Penny Lancaster brands Rod Stewart, 79, health concerns ‘bizarre’ as she speaks out amid doctor’s warnings
Penny Lancaster, 53, has delivered an encouraging update on her husband Sir Rod Stewart’s health after the 79-year-old had to rearrange a handful of dates this month.
The Maggie May hitmaker sparked concern with fans after revealing he’d been diagnosed with strep throat and COVID-19, meaning he was unable to perform for his Stateside fans.
The worrying health blows came just days after he’d opened up to The Sun about fearing his “days were numbered” as he approaches his 80th birthday.
However, Lancaster was keen to allay fears earlier this week when she posted a snap of Stewart following his recovery alongside his family.
And now, she’s appeared on TV to double down on her stance that her beau is fitter than ever – despite a doctor warning that returning to the stage too soon could throw up “further complication” for the singer.
Lancaster appeared on ITV on Thursday where she was asked about Stewart’s claim his “days are numbered”, to which she branded the quotes “bizarre, absolutely bizarre”.
She added to her Loose Women co-stars: “I don’t know where that came from because he is literally sprinting when you would imagine somebody at 79 would be slowing down and it’s like (there’s) no stopping him.”
Not only has Stewart returned to the stage following his health diagnoses, but he’s got another physically demanding project that has baffled his wife in the pipeline.
“He’s decided to set a world record for the fastest sprint for a 79-year-old so it’s like, god knows where that came from,” she explained.
“He’s arranging a soft track at home to practice on. He just never sees – the sky’s the limit for him, it’s like breaking that glass ceiling for him and we always encourage the boys to aim high.
“If they look to their father who’s still working and touring the world… it’s like never give up.
“His motto is, ‘Keep your legs strong and they’ll carry you through life’. It’s all about fitness and health and longevity.”
Stewart announced his strep and Covid blows on August 7 and 9, respectively, and returned to the stage just nine days later at Thunder Valley Casino in California on August 18.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, Dr Chun Tang, GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, warned Stewart that rushing back to stage so soon could put his health and future on-stage at risk.
“Strep throat can be more damaging to the elderly compared to younger people,” Dr Tang began. “Older adults often have a weaker immune system, which can make it harder for them to fight off infections like strep.
“This can lead to more severe symptoms, longer recovery time, and a higher risk of complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Additionally, the elderly may already have pre-existing conditions that can worsen the impact of strep throat, making it more challenging to recover fully.
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“For singers, untreated or improperly managed strep throat can have serious, long-lasting consequences.
“Chronic inflammation or repeated infections can lead to the development of vocal nodules, polyps, or scarring, all of which can permanently alter the voice’s tone, strength, and range.
“This can make it difficult to hit high notes or sustain certain pitches, and in severe cases, could force a singer to modify or even abandon their career.”
Dr Tang also advised a recovery time of “at least a week of complete vocal rest, and then a gradual return to singing as you weigh up how your voice feels” – Stewart was back performing within nine days.