Today star Richard Wilkins, 67, reveals why he's had a 'wake-up call' over his health

Richard Wilkins has revealed that he no longer takes his health for granted. 

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, the Today show host, 67, says losing friends his own age has reminded him that he is not ‘bulletproof’.   

‘When you’re young, tall and bulletproof, you don’t think that anything can take you down, but just this year I’ve been to three or four funerals for people my age, which is very sobering and a wake-up call if there ever was one,’ he said. 

Stay fit: Richard Wilkins (pictured) has revealed that he no longer takes his health for granted. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, the Today show host, 67, says losing friends his own age has reminded him that he is not ‘bulletproof’

‘Health is a bit like superannuation – the older you get, the more you think about it’ Richard added. 

The TV star said says he is ‘religious’ about getting check ups to ensure everything is in order.

‘I have regular health check-ups, for blood pressure, cholesterol and what not. [former Chief Executive Officer of Nine Entertainment] David Gyngell made me promise to get an angiogram last year, after his health scare,’ he said. 

Wake-up call: ‘When you’re young, tall and bulletproof, you don’t think that anything can take you down, but just this year I’ve been to three or four funerals for people my age, which is very sobering and a wake-up call if there ever was one,’ he said

Richard added: ‘I go to a dermatologist once a year religiously and encourage my kids to do the same.’ 

The entertainment reporter tested positive for COVID-19 three times, and spent 18 days in isolation, last year.  

On 60 Minutes, he got emotional as he recalled the burden of not knowing whether he passed the virus onto his loved ones.

Fighting fit: The TV star said says he is ‘religious’ about getting check ups to ensure everything is in order

‘I felt guilty, I felt ashamed, I felt scared, because it was early days,’ the Channel Nine star told journalist Liz Hayes.

Richard, who showed no symptoms of coronavirus, described testing positive for the first time as ‘like a sledgehammer’.

The TV personality explained how his ‘mind went crazy’ as he imagined a worst case scenario of having passed on the virus to everyone he came into contact with.

Sweet: Earlier this month, Richard celebrated his 67th birthday, and The Weekend Today host has received a touching tribute to that milestone from his partner, Nicola Dale (left) 

Earlier this month, Richard celebrated his 67th birthday, and The Weekend Today host has received a touching tribute to that milestone from his partner, Nicola Dale.

Richard shared Nicola’s sweet post, which showed the loved-up couple kissing while immersed in a picturesque sunset.

‘Happy Birthday to the most beautiful man on the planet,’ Nicola admiringly wrote with love hearts. 

 Aww! ‘Happy Birthday to the most beautiful man on the planet,’ Nicola admiringly wrote with love hearts