Tour Series presenter Charlie Webster recovering from life-threatening illness

Tour Series presenter Charlie Webster, who was placed in an induced coma after contracting malaria following a 3,000-mile charity bike ride to Rio says she is on the road to recovery – and is also looking forward to a mammoth catch-up session of the Olympic action she missed.

The 33-year-old former ITV and Sky Sports presenter had been due to host coverage for Team GB from Rio but fell ill shortly after her arrival there at the end of the six-week ride, with her condition deteriorating due to a bacterial infection.

In a message posted on her behalf to her Twitter account on Monday, she said: I'm told I have thousands of messages of love and support to read once I'm better, so thank you very much for those.

"The last 16 days have been hell - although I don't remember most of them.

"I am getting stronger each day and look forward to watching all the Olympic highlights,” she added. “I hear #TeamGB have triumphed!"

The Tour Series was among those sending messages of support to Webster last week when news of her illness emerged.

Thoughts and best wishes from all the #tourseries team are with @CharlieCW as she fights illness in Rio #TeamCharlie pic.twitter.com/ZXlRITSlts

— The Tour Series (@TourSeries) August 18, 2016

In a statement, a spokesman for the TV presenter said: “Over the weekend, Charlie’s kidneys responded well to treatment and the dialysis has been reduced to around six hours a day.

“Her breathing has also become stronger and breathing support has also been reduced.

“Charlie was able to get out bed and sit in a chair – and best of all, she’s got her sense of humour back and has been able to smile at her brother’s jokes.

“The goal now is to get Charlie even stronger and fly her back to the UK as soon as possible.”

> Tour Series presenter severely ill after London to Rio bike ride