DRAGON’S Den star Duncan Bannatyne has been discharged from hospital following a heart attack scare.

The entrepreneur was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital on Monday morning with chest pains, but was allowed home yesterday after undergoing a series of tests.

His family confirmed that he had not suffered a heart attack – but said the chest pains should serve as a warning to the Darlington-based business tycoon to slow down or risk further health scares.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how he kept his thousands of online fans updated by tweeting from his hospital bed.

Yesterday afternoon, he tweeted: “All tests proved I am human, so I have been released.

On way home to rest.

Thanks for the get well wishes.”

A spokesman for the Bannatyne Group said last night that everyone at the company was relieved the health scare had not turned out to be serious.

He said: “He is now to spend a few days recuperating from his chest pains away from the stresses of his busy life.

“He has asked us to thank the many hundreds of people who have contacted him to express their good wishes and support, and to thank the dedicated staff at Darlington Memorial Hospital for their kindness and care.”

The 63-year-old, who owns a string of hotels, spas and fitness clubs across the country, was taken ill while working at his fitness club in Haughton Road, Darlington.

Clydebank-born Mr Bannatyne, who was recently divorced from his second wife, Joanne McCue, after a fiveyear marriage, has four children from his first marriage.

He lives on the exclusive Wynyard estate, near Billingham.