Escape To The Country star's tragic final hours as routine procedure turned sinister

An Escape To The Country star's cause of death has been confirmed after an agonising 24 hours. Emma Izzard, who appeared on the programme in 2021, died just one day after she was admitted to the hospital.

She was rushed to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in November last year after falling ill and vomiting blood. Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that Ms Izzard had been battling alcoholism in the lead up to her death due to a personal situation she had been quietly battling.

She was admitted to the hospital on November 19, last year, due to vomiting blood. While there, she went into cardiac arrest but medics were able to resuscitate Ms Izzard, giving her a second chance. However, just one day later, she underwent a gastroscopy –which involves a tube with a camera attached being inserted into the body via the mouth in order to examine the stomach, oesophagus, and duodenum, typically used to investigate symptoms such as pain, bleeding or swallowing difficulties.

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It was during the routine procedure that Ms Izzard suffered another cardiac arrest. However, doctors were unable to resuscitate her again.

At the inquest, it was concluded that Ms. Izzard's death resulted from an oesophageal and variceal haemorrhage, with underlying alcohol-related liver disease. Kym, Emma's ex-partner, shared poignant details: "Emma had a very strong bond with her mother."

"Emma lived with her for many years and continued to look after her even when she did move out. [Emma's] alcohol levels increased when her mother was taken to hospital in July 2022, and she thought she was going to lose her. After six months of secret drinking, she wanted to stop but couldn't get the help required quickly enough and began drinking again."

The inquest was told that Emma had been in rehab numerous times, but with every relapse, her drinking became more severe. Tragically, her late father also battled alcoholism, dying when Emma was only a teen.

Kym, reflecting on Emma's life, said: "Emma was a larger-than-life character who was very popular both in and outside of her work, and she had many friends.

"She was very caring but had had personal struggles earlier in her life that she was unable to deal with." Ms Izzard also sought the help from Change Grow Live (CGL), a charity for those who are dealing with alcoholism, as well as Alcoholics Anonymous. "Emma did not want to drink but it had taken a strong hold of her," Kym stated, continuing: "And she didn't and couldn't deal with her problems. Her drinking became heavier, and she became desperate."

The area coroner Johanna Thompson told the court: "Emma had a history of excess alcohol consumption and had been diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease. At the hospital, Emma was clearly presenting as very poorly. She was white, dehydrated, and was considered to have symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.

"Sadly, after being given surgery, treatment could not save her at the end of the day." It emerged during the hearing that Ms Izzard, who worked for a charity as a general assistant, handled her daily responsibilities competently whenever she wasn't drinking.

The former BBC One participant, who appeared on the programme in 2021 from Luton, Bedfordshire, had dreams of a fresh start with her partner in Norfolk, lured by the promise of "clean air" and a "slower pace of life."

Yet, following their move to North Walsham, the two ultimately went their separate ways but have maintained a close friendship.

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found atalcoholchange.org.uk

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