Richard Bacon 'had planned to move back to UK from US' before illness left him in a coma

Richard Bacon reportedly had plans to move back to the UK from America when he fell ill with a mystery lung condition.

The TV presenter, who moved across the pond three years ago, is said to have been in talks about potential radio and TV work in London as he was keen for his children Arthur, six, and Ivy, four, to be closer to relatives.

A source told The Sun: “Richard was excited about returning so his kids could see their grandparents more often and be less isolated.

“He’s in demand, with a variety of job offers on the table. There were also meetings set up about radio and TV work in London.”

Bacon was taken to Lewisham hospital earlier this month after falling ill with what doctors first diagnosed as double pneumonia on a flight back from the US.

But he was later placed in a medically induced coma and fitted with a tracheostomy, with his family left fearing for his life.

His mother Christine last week revealed her son has woken from his coma, but that he is ‘not responding very well’.

She told the Nottingham Post: “It was such a relief when he opened his eyes, although he’s not responding to us very well yet we can see that he is getting better.

“The doctors have said that he is very distressed and confused after being in a coma for a week, which you can understand, and that we need to keep talking to him and reminding him of where he is.

“There’s a long way to go yet, but this is a very positive step and it has eased by mind.”

She later thanked fans for their support and well-wishes on Twitter, posting: “As many people know, my son @richardpbacon has been in a medically induced coma in intensive care for a week but he’s young, he’s fit and the NHS have been brilliant, and I’m sure he’ll come through this. Been very worrying. We’ve received so many lovely messages.”

Richard last week shared an image of himself covered in wires in A&E, and joked that he was ‘partying’ to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.

He posted: “I’m A&E (in Lewisham) on the NHS’s 70th birthday. I don’t like to miss a party.

“Thank God I got ill in Britain (actually on the way to Britain, was taken off the plane in a wheelchair). F*** all the ideology driven politicians who’ve messed up America’s healthcare system. Viva the NHS. Happy 70th.”