UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Still Game actor Gavin Mitchell was taken to hospital after choking during dinner, losing consciousness in what was described as a medical emergency.
The actor, who is best known for portraying the barman Boaby in the popular BBC sitcom, had just turned 61 two weeks prior to the event, which he said required his partner Lindsay to smash a door off its hinges in order to assist him.
On Hogmanay, Mitchell posted two images to his Instagram account along with an end-of-year message that featured the shocking news that he had to be sent to Glasgow Royal Infirmary on December 30.
He continued by saying that he had had an endoscopic procedure and that he is optimistic that “all will be well” following the “scary” experience.
Mitchell wrote:
“Well 2025 you have been a cracker of highs and lows but I didn’t imagine bringing it in like this. Lovely to do some nice varied work , old and new.
From touring my solo show ‘Look Who It Isnae’ and playing President John Adams in a brand new TV series about the White House, to singing Billy Connolly’s ‘Wellie Boot’ song to over 10,000 at Hoolie at the Hydro, and returning to play dear old Bogie in Morag Fullerton’s award winning adaptation of ‘Casablanca’.
Saw some amazing gigs, including Iggy Pop, The D.A.M Trilogy, Chic, Kylie, Diana Ross, Self Esteem, The Primeval, Thomas Trauxx, The Psychedelic Furs.
Meeting friends and heroes like Carlos Alomar, Midge Ure. And wee breaks to Bucharest and Ireland.”
The veteran actor added:
“But a lot of things plagued by health, we almost lost wee Bob. Lindsay has just been phenomenal in her tolerance, patience and strength still dealing with her own health issues.
And moi, having bit in bobs but culminating in this ….. an unexpectedly dramatic visit to the Royal Infirmary last night after choking on my dinner, passing out and stopping breathing.
Lindsay broke the door off its hinges and it was ambulance etc. It was all a bit scary for a while but I’ve had a wee endoscope procedure and hopefully all will be well today.
Lindsay was also at QEH hospital yesterday for a procedure. As some of you will know it’s been a bit of year for us both. I simply couldn’t have Lindsay stealing the limelight and having the final hospital visit and best drama of the year! We’ve already been on adjacent wards this year.
So bring it on 2026, we’re going to kick your ass!
I’ll see you on the Hogmanay show tonight on BBC 1, be kind and keep yer comments tae yersel…. I’m no weel! And Almost Angelic is going to make your year btw!!! Utterly amazing!!!!!”
What did Gavin Mitchell say in his Instagram post?
Gavin Mitchell used his Instagram post to explain that he’d choked on his regale, stopped breathing, passed out, and ended up in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, describing the fire as shocking and thanking sanitarium staff and his mate for their help.
He reflected that 2025 had been a time of “ highs and lows ” health ‑ wise for both him and his mate Lindsay, said he was hopeful everything would be fine after treatment, and told followers he was ready to “ take on ” 2026 while asking people to be kind as he recovers.
In a New Year social media post he called the incident “ shocking enough ” but thanked medical staff and reflected on a time of health scares for both himself and Lindsay.
