Among all the uncertainty, worry and confusion, Dr Hilary Jones has remained a steady guiding light throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The GP has been an informative and comforting presence on our screens since 1989 when he made his television debut on breakfast show TV-am.
And since lockdown began at the end of March, Dr Hilary’s daily appearances alongside, among others, Lorraine Kelly on ITV’s Good Morning Britain have been praised by viewers as a reliable source of clear and concise advice.
It’s the end of a very busy week when Dr Hilary, who is still a practising GP, calls TV Times for a chat – and, we have to say, just hearing his voice on the other end of the phone has an instant soothing effect on us.
Here, father-of-five Dr Hilary, 66, who is married to fitness instructor Dee Thresher, explains why we need to remain patient during lockdown and shares his optimism that there will be some positives to emerge from the pandemic…
Viewers have been praising you for bringing some much-needed clarity to the coronavirus crisis. How do you see your role?
My role is to put everything in perspective and give people the information they need to act responsibly. I want to reassure people that we will get through this, but, at the same time, not be too reassuring because it’s crucial that we all take COVID-19 incredibly seriously and continue to do our bit. My other role is to help people make sense of the confusing science because we’re hearing one thing one day and something else the next.
Are you worried that people are starting to suffer with lockdown fatigue?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TOO CLOSE for comfort
Cindy frets when wounded Junior plays games
CONFESSION time
Denise tells the Brannings that daughter Chelsea caused the crush at Peggy’s
Joel MURDERED!
But which of the villain's many haters is to blame?
Love HURTS
Sam's injured when he tries to reunite Nick and Leanne
Girl BOSS!
FELICITY WARD introduces us to the female version of David Brent.
ECHOES of the past
ELEN RHYS on swapping solving crimes in Spain for a murder mystery in her native Wales
True DETECTIVES
We celebrate the crime-crackers who will be unravelling mysteries over the coming months...
Double TROUBLE
MICHAEL MCINTYRE on how fresh twists and star power will make this the best series of The Wheel yet
Time to say GOODBYE...
As Emmerdale legend Zak Dingle passes away, actor LISA RILEY pays tribute to her beloved co-star, the late Steve Halliwell
Power & PASSION!
What to expect from a lavish reworking of Dame Jilly Cooper’s steamy saga, set in the cut-throat world of TV