Andrew Marr leaves hospital nearly two months after suffering a stroke

The BBC journalist and presenter Andrew Marr left hospital on Friday, nearly two months after suffering a stroke, and is continuing his rehabilitation at home.

Marr, 53, was admitted to hospital in early January after being taken ill. His weekly programmes, BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show and Radio 4's Start the Week, have continued in his absence with stand-in presenters including James Landale, Anne McElvoy and Tom Sutcliffe.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Andrew Marr left hospital earlier on today and continues his rehabilitation at home with his family. He says thank you to all the wonderful nurses, doctors and physiotherapists at Charing Cross hospital who have looked after him so well.

"He is looking forward to a new regime of physio at home as he prepares for his return to work later this year. He and his family hope that people will respect the fact that he wishes to continue his recovery privately."

Marr's stroke has shocked many of his colleagues – he was considered fit and enjoyed long-distance running. In an interview last year, Marr spoke of "utter exhaustion" after "two years, about two dozen countries, a blue and daze of airports and hundreds of thousands of words".

The BBC political editor is married to journalist Jackie Ashley and has three children.

Marr began his career as a newspaper reporter, becoming the editor of the Independent before turning to television.

He has also presented a number of history programmes along with his politics show and has had five books published.

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