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'Gogglebox' star Jonathan Tapper recovering from coronavirus after struggling to breathe and move

Josh Tapper, Nikki Tapper, Amy Tapper and Jonathan Tapper of Gogglebox attend the National Television Awards on January 25, 2017 in London, United Kingdom.  (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images )
Josh Tapper, Nikki Tapper, Amy Tapper and Jonathan Tapper of Gogglebox attend the National Television Awards on January 25, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images )

Gogglebox family the Tappers were left deeply concerned after dad Jonathan was left struggling to breathe after falling ill with the coronavirus.

While he is now recovering, the 52-year-old is diabetic and the underlying health condition amped up the worry for his wife and two children, who have also all been infected.

His wife Nikki, 47, told the Daily Star how his ill health started after he came from work one day and was "unable to move".

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She said: “He had a cough and high temperature. He laid down on the sofa and – with no exaggeration – he stayed there for two weeks in our lounge room.

Jonathan and Nikki Tapper from GoggleBox attend Breast Cancer Care's London fashion show at Grosvenor House Hotel to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on October 7, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Care)
Jonathan and Nikki Tapper from GoggleBox attend Breast Cancer Care's London fashion show at Grosvenor House Hotel to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on October 7, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Care)

“We tended to him as best we could, but at times he seemed unable to breathe. Having spoken to the doctors, they urged us to stay home, but they said to quickly get an oxygen monitor, which fixed to his finger.”

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“Jonathan has underlying health conditions like diabetes and is in his early 50s, so we were very concerned,” Nikki added.

She spoke of how she kept vigil at his bedside when the infection reached its peak as he "heaved with every breath”, and how they "got through to the next day" with assistance from NHS helpline 111.

A spokesperson for the family has shared that Jonathan is "at the very end" of his recovery.

The Tapper Family from Gogglebox present the award for Multi Channel Award during the 2015 National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London.
The Tapper Family from Gogglebox present the award for Multi Channel Award during the 2015 National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London.

They told PA new agency: “I can confirm that the Tapper family all contracted COVID-19.

“We are really pleased to say the family are better – and Jonathan is at the very end of his recovery and is now taking it easy.”

Jonathan and Nikki appeared on Gogglebox between series 1-11 alongside daughter Amy, with son Josh starring with them up until season 10.