Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick 'millimetres from death' after breaking neck in horror fall

Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick has shared a chilling account of his near-fatal accident after falling down the stairs at home, which resulted in a broken neck. The 56 year old celebrity veterinarian experienced the frightening fall in 2020, leading to a severe injury when he hit the bottom of the staircase and broke his neck.

The beloved Channel 4 personality detailed the terrifying moment, explaining that he was hardly conscious when he lost his footing and fell down the steps. He vividly described the sound of his neck breaking as he hit the wall.

Doctors later confirmed that Noel had fractured his C7 vertebra, sidelining him for an extended recovery period. Speaking to The Guardian about the incident, the Supervet expressed: "And in that sense it was a profound wake-up call. Also in the physical sense, that I was millimetres away from death."

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He further commented on the gravity of the situation: "Had the vertebrae shifted more, apparently, the fatality rate from an asleep fall down 13 steps into a wall is not good." Noel, who has never been married, does have a partner. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.

In 2020, he disclosed his romantic relationship with Michaela, believed to be a member of his veterinary practice's staff, as reported by Birmingham Live, reports the Mirror. In a revealing interview with The Times, Noel Fitzpatrick opened up about his personal life and thoughts on fatherhood, saying: "Yes, I have a girlfriend and I'm fine. As for children, well my mammy had six and I'd certainly like one but that requires I make changes. I'm still a work in progress. But you know, do I want to bring a child into this cataclysm? ".

The Supervet's past romance with songwriter Cathy Dennis, known for penning hits like Britney Spears' Toxic and Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out of My Head, has long been a topic of intrigue. Noel and Cathy were together during the early 2000s, splitting in 2003 just before 'Toxic' was released, leading to rumours that he inspired its warning-laden lyrics.

Reflecting on their relationship in his autobiography, Listening to the Animals - Becoming the Supervet, Noel wrote: "Cathy and I remain good friends and I'm sad that I couldn't give her, or anyone else, what is needed in a healthy relationship." During an appearance on ITV's This Morning, Noel faced direct questioning about the iconic pop song.

Holly Willoughby, the show's co-host, couldn't resist asking: "Just before we have to leave you, I am looking at your CD collection on the shelf behind you. I am just wondering whether Britney Spears' song Toxic is on there? I read the most fascinating fact about you, Noel. Are you who that song is written about? Is it you? Please say yes."

Noel responded with a laugh to the question, but was careful not to reveal too much: "I think you need to get Cathy on the show and ask her...Who knows, we need to wait for Cathy's biography on that one." Want less ads? Download WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android.