Comedian Bill Oddie has revealed that he has been close to death this summer.

Writing on Twitter the former Goodie (pictured with Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor) explained what has been wrong. 

"Just so you know, I have been very ill most of this summer . Lithium toxicity. Almost fatal! I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren't many of us. IT fuddles my brain.Confusion. Will I return ? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX"

This was his first post since mid-June when he wrote: "am nearly 79. My fingers get tangled on a keyboard, and are too clumsy for a mobile. I wont go through all the things I can't do. Jjust about everything.. I am NOT kidding. It is driving me crazy , and that drives my wife crazy too.This is VERY http://serious.Help"

Fans were quick to wish him well. Danny Baker tweeted: "All the best, Bill. I hope your confusion gets no worse than forgetting a few solos on Little Feat albums and so hear them again for the first time."

Annabel Giles added: "Gosh Bill, sorry to hear that, sending recuperations x"

When fellow Goodie Tim Brooke-Taylor died in April Oddie posted the following on social media: "Fifty years and he only got cross with me once... well maybe twice... no quite a lot actually! No one could wear silly costumes or do dangerous stunts like Tim. I know it hurt cos he used to cry a lot. Sorry Timbo. A true visual comic and a great friend x."

Picture by David Betteridge