Tom Jones feared his life was over amid health scare

Sir Tom Jones feared his life was over after being admitted to hospital with flu.

The 86-year-old pop star was left fearing for his life after being admitted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he ultimately spent a week recovering from the illness.

Sir Tom – who was forced to cancel or reschedule a number of concerts – said upon his return to the stage at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday: “I thought, ‘Oh well, this is it. You’ve had a wonderful life, Tommy, but it’s over right now.

“I must say this, in the UCLA, they really did a wonderful job. So I’m here.”

Sir Tom is relieved to have made a swift recovery from his illness and he was delighted to be back on stage in Los Angeles.

“The medical staff said: ‘What do you want to do now?’ I was in there for a week. And I said, ‘I’ve got to get back on the stage’. This is where I belong. I can’t live without this, believe me,” he said.

In October, he took to social media to announce the cancellation of two shows in the United States.

Sir Tom, who postponed a 2025 concert due to an upper respiratory infection, wrote on Instagram at the time: “I’ve had a great time these last few weeks, completing 20 shows and singing for wonderful audiences across the USA, but unexpectedly I’ve been hit with a bad case of the flu.

“Following doctor’s advice, I unfortunately have to reschedule tonight’s show in Los Angeles and tomorrow’s show in San Diego.”

He apologised to his loyal fans, but he also promised to return to the stage as soon as possible.

The It’s Not Unusual hitmaker – who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2006 for services to music – said: “I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience caused. I look forward to seeing you all soon.”