Bill Oddie has revealed he has been "very ill most of this summer". The Goodies star has been suffering from lithium toxicity, which he says almost killed him.

Writing on Twitter, he said:

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

Lithium toxicity, also known as a lithium overdose, is caused by having too much lithium in the body. It can result in symptoms including a tremor, increased reflexes, trouble walking, kidney problems, and an altered level of consciousness.

Lithium can be used as a mood stabiliser medicine, and has been used to treat those with bipolar disorder, which Oddie suffers from.

Oddie last tweeted in June, saying: "I 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 serious. Help." [sic]

Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden rose to fame as The Goodies in the 1970s. They last appeared on stage together at the Slapstick Festival, in early 2020, to discuss their career. Brooke-Taylor died of coronavirus in April. Speaking at the time of his death, Oddie called his fellow group member "a true visual comic and a great friend".

Fans and fellow comedians have responded to Oddie's tweet to wish him a speedy recovery.