Australian Idol judge and singing legend Marcia Hines has opened up on why she collapsed backstage the night before the show’s Grand Finale.
The 70-year-old was taken to hospital after collapsing in the dressing room at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre on March 24.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marcia Hines returns to Australian Idol after medical emergency.
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She was replaced by last-minute guest judge Guy Sebastian for the semi-final, and managed to return for the final show of the season.
At the time it was thought that her illness may have been related to her diabetes, but on Tuesday Hines confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that she had been suffering from a urinary tract infection, or UTI.
“I don’t know what happened. I was about to go and do the semi-final for Australian Idol,” she said.
“I was in my dressing room with my godchildren and some good friends, and I had my makeup done.
“I was sitting down, stood up and fell over.”
“I had a urinary tract infection,” she added, calling it a “chick thing”.
In older people, UTIs can cause low blood pressure resulting in dizziness, weakness and fainting.
Hines had to have stitches on her forehead after collapsing. She then pleaded with her doctor to allow her to return for the show’s final episode.
“I was able to talk to the doctor the next morning and say, ‘Listen, I really need to go back to work’,” she explained.
“It’s the final, and I’m really attached to these kids.
“He said he didn’t feel comfortable with it.
“I said ‘please’, using my bargaining power a bit, and said ‘As soon as I finish filming I’ll come back to the hospital the night of’.
“That’s show business.”
After the Grand Finale, Hines did go back to the hospital, where she stayed for a few more days.
“It was actually very nice because I rested,” she said.
“I take good care of myself.”
With her Idol commitments over for the year, Hines’ main focus now is her cameo role in Grease: The Musical, which is currently playing in Sydney before moving to Perth from June 30.
After her unexpected medical emergency, Hines thanked her fans, friends and family for their concern and support.
“What an action-packed week,” she wrote in an Instagram post after leaving hospital.
“We are so fortunate to live in a country with such incredible healthcare, and the amazing facilities we have in our Western Sydney suburbs — wow!
“I’m so grateful to all of the hospital staff — from the tireless nurses to the wonderful administration staff.”
She went on to thank the staff of Mount Druitt Emergency Department, the ambulance crew and the doctor who had “stitched her up” after her fall.
“Ouch lol🤕 Thank you for being you and keeping us all safe 🫶🏾,” she wrote.
“Thank you also to Kyle, Amy and all the team at @australianidol for your love, and also to my @greaseoztour family who I’ll be seeing soon.
“Thank you also to my family and friends — you’re always there when I need you most.”