"I feel guilty being away from her, because our baby is due soon and she needs support. I know how hard it is to look after the children on your own, Harvey in particular, and I felt bad that I couldn’t help her. But she’s strong and coped brilliantly. I’m so proud of her."

The 34-year-old added that there has been one bonus to being ill: "The only good thing to come out of my illness is that I’ve lost the weight I’ve been trying to shift for ages, but weight loss through viral meningitis isn’t ideal!"

Peter: I thought I would die - May 17 2007
Peter Andre has apparently revealed he feared he would die when he contracted viral meningitis.

The pop star, who is married to glamour girl Jordan, said he was "petrified" when he was admitted to hospital last month, reports the Daily Mirror.

He told OK! magazine: "When I’d been in hospital for about four days and no one knew what was wrong with me and I was getting worse and worse, I did think I was going to die."

The 34-year-old - who has a baby son, Junior, with Jordan - said he’s still recuperating.

"I’m still so weak and horrible. Everything is so exhausting - walking, having a shower and getting dressed," he said.

Peter was diagnosed with meningitis last month after visiting the hospital with a recurring stomach problem. He spent several days in hospital but was discharged last week.

Jordan, 28, who is expecting the couple’s second child, was said to be "frantic" with worry and maintained a bedside vigil while her hubby was ill.

Peter Andre may have meningitis - April 27 2007
Peter Andre is suffering from suspected meningitis, his spokeswoman said today.

The husband of glamour girl Jordan was admitted to the East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, at the weekend.

Jordan - real name Katie Price - is said to be "frantic" with worry and maintaining a bedside vigil.

A spokeswoman for the couple said in a statement: "Following recent tests on Peter Andre at the East Surrey Hospital, it is believed that Peter is suffering from suspected meningitis.

"Peter was admitted last weekend, and at this time we do not have an expected date of discharge."

The statement asked the press "to allow Katie to continue as normal, and support Peter and the family during this worrying time".

There are two types of meningitis - viral and bacterial - and the spokeswoman said it’s not yet known which of these Peter may be suffering from.

Viral meningitis is the most common but is usually not serious.

Bacterial meningitis, which includes the meningococcal strain of the disease, is more rare but around one in 10 cases are fatal.

Peter fell ill at the couple’s home in Ockley, Surrey, on Saturday. Jordan, who’s pregnant with their second child, dialled 999 and he was taken to hospital.

Doctors discharged him on Sunday but he returned hours later and has remained there ever since. He’s undergone numerous tests, including a brain scan.

A friend of the couple said: "Jordan is frantic with worry. Obviously she’s desperate to get to the bottom of what’s wrong."

Peter Andre has brain scan - April 27 2007
Peter Andre is being treated in hospital for a mystery illness, it emerged today.