Science writer and broadcaster Adam Rutherford says he has been suffering from coronavirus and is “only conscious for a few hours a day”.

The presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship science programme Inside Science said he has also had pneumonia and has lost a stone in weight.

He wrote on Twitter: “Hi all. Sorry for the lack of updates. I got full blown pneumonia on top of cv, and it almost killed me.

“The first antibiotics made me sick, but now I’m on clathromycin and they seem to be working. I didn’t go to hospital but probably should have.”

He later added: “Thank you for all the love and support, and I’m sorry I can’t respond individually.

“I’m only conscious for a few hours a day, but I really appreciate it. I’ve lost a stone in weight, but soon I’m going to be back. Look after each other x.”

Rutherford is one of many famous faces who have been taken ill during the pandemic, including actors Tom Hanks and Idris Elba, as well as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.