Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne blames heart attack scare on divorce stress (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne reveals health scare was caused by stress of divorce

12:27pm Sunday 14th October 2012 in News By Steven Hugill

Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne blames heart attack scare on divorce stress

DRAGON'S Den star Duncan Bannatyne has revealed his recent heart attack scare was caused by the stress of his divorce.

The 63-year-old entrepreneur was rushed to Darlington Memorial Hospital earlier this month suffering from chest pains, but was released after tests showed he had not suffered a heart attack.

The Darlington-based tycoon said his health scare had given him a warning to slow down his hectic business schedule, but said it was the stress of his impending divorce from second wife Joanne McCue which caused him to collapse.

Mr Bannatyne, who took ill while working at his fitness club in Haughton Road, Darlington, said: “The businesses are all going really well, it is the divorce.

“It was a pure stress attack, I couldn't breathe and I fell to my office floor.

“The pain was unbelievable, like no other, and was all around my chest and body, but I’m feeling much better now.”

At the time of his collapse, The Northern Echo revealed Clydebank-born Mr Bannatyne, who owns a string of hotels, spas and fitness clubs across the country, kept his thousands of online fans updated by tweeting from his hospital bed, saying: “All tests proved I am human, so I have been released. On way home to rest. Thanks for the get well wishes.”

Mr Bannatyne, who lives on the exclusive Wynyard estate, near Billingham, confirmed he was recovering well from his ordeal, but was still keeping busy with business interests.

He said: “I have got the health club and spa so I spent some time relaxing there and my personal trainer put me on a new training programme.

“But I was still back to work after a couple of days though.”

A spokesman for the Bannatyne Group revealed the company’s relief at the time of Mr Bannatyne’s collapse.

He said: “He has asked us to thank the many hundreds of people who have contacted him to express their good wishes and support.

“He also wants to thank the dedicated staff at Darlington Memorial Hospital for their kindness and care.”