Bill Oddie says he was close to death on return to Twitter after being very ill

Bill Oddie revealed he was close to death this summer after being struck down very ill.

The comedian, 79, returned to social media after a period of silence since his last post shared on June 22 earlier this summer.

On Twitter, the writer opened up about his illness as he gave his 76.2K followers a worrying update on Saturday.

He wrote: “Just so you know, I have been very ill most of this summer. Lithium toxicity. Almost fatal!

“I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren’t many of us. IT fuddles my brain. Confusion.”

Lithium toxicity is a condition brought on by having too much lithium and symptoms include: tremor, increased reflexes, trouble walking, kidney problems, and an altered level of consciousness.

Bill also asked fans to wish him luck during his recovery.

“Will I return ? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX.”

Many of his fans rushed to wish him well in the comments section of his post.

Among the crowd, one wrote: “Very best wishes for your recovery Bill. Eerily, I have just finished reading BOLBBB for the umpteenth time and it’s still the best – and funniest – book ever written about birding. Hope you are out and about on your local patch soon.”

Others wrote: “A little something to hopefully make you smile.”

“Hang in there Bill. X.”

“Get well soon Bill! I sold you birdsong CDs at Virgin Megastore in 1996. You wore a jumper with a puffin on it, and were the epitome of charm and politeness. Was the highlight of my retail career (which, I should note, also included selling the Wagner Ring Cycle box set to Bjork).”