Channel 9 has denied reports Bert Newton has had emergency heart surgery, but confirmed the TV legend has missed several days of the Wicked stage show with a health scare.
A spokesperson for the network said Newton has suffered a "heavy cold" while performing in Singapore and remains in "good spirits" despite being on antibiotics.
Newton has been rested from performing as a precaution after suffering from pneumonia last June.
"Bert says he is over the worst part of it," the spokesperson said.
Newton will be rested until Tuesday on advice from his doctor.
"I'll be back fighting fit if not at the weekend, I'll on stage by Tuesday," he said in a statement issued by Channel 9.
"Because of the fact I had pneumonia last June, I need to be extra careful when a cold strikes to ensure it doesn't become anything more serious.''
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Unconfirmed reports suggested Newton has had a stent put in to correct a heart problem, which led to speculation his illness was heart-related.
Newton, 73, was hospitalised last year with pneumonia, which forced him to delay joining the Wicked stage production, in which he plays the Wizard.
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