Escape to the Country guest hoping to find 'perfect new life' dies after hospital dash

An inquest into the death of Emma Izzard heard that the 53-year-old died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N) last November. Ms Izzard had previously appeared on an episode of the BBC programme Escape to the Country, with her then partner Kym Lofthouse. She was rushed to hospital on November 19 last year after she started vomiting blood. An inquest into Ms Izzard's death at Norfolk Coroner Court this week revealed her struggles with alcoholism. Ms Lofthouse told the hearing that her alcohol consumption had increased in July 2022 after her mother fell ill.

She was rushed to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital by ambulance on November 19 last year after she started vomiting blood. Ms Izzard died the following day after she went into cardiac arrest whilst undergoing a gastroscopy in the operating theatre. Her cause of death was given at the inquest as an oesophageal and variceal bleed, with alcohol-related liver disease.

The hearing was also told that Ms Izzard's father, who died when she was a teenager, also struggled with alcoholism.

According to The Eastern Daily Press, Ms Lofthouse shared a statement about Ms Izzard's struggles with alcoholism.

She 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 Lofthouse added: "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."