Fordham recovering after health scare

Former darts world champion Andy Fordham was recovering in hospital today after his latest visit to the Lakeside ended with him being carried away on a stretcher before he had even taken to the stage.

The Viking, reported to be in a “stable” condition after being admitted with a severe chest infection, was taken ill half an hour before his World Championship first-round match against Australia’s Simon Whitlock.

This marks the latest chapter in an eventful career for the popular 44-year-old, whose public profile soared after he captured the British Darts Organisation’s most prestigious title in 2004.

A year after that success Fordham was invited to appear on ITV’s Celebrity Fit Club and lost four stone as he stopped drinking beer, something he has largely kept to ever since.

His health has been the subject of concern for some time and in November 2004 he had to retire from a unification clash with PDC champion Phil Taylor after suffering an asthma attack.

Fordham’s form has suffered due to the commercial commitments he undertook as a result of his World Championship triumph and Whitlock would have started hot favourite to beat him.