Bonnie Tyler, 74, rushed to hospital for emergency surgery

Bonnie Tyler has been rushed to hospital in Portugal for emergency bowel surgery after suffering a perforated intestine.

The 74-year-old Total Eclipse of the Heart star is now stable and recovering at a medical facility in Faro, where she has owned property for decades.

It's understood the singer experienced severe abdominal pain in recent days before being taken to hospital for the urgent procedure.

The news will come as a shock to fans, as Ms Tyler had spoken just weeks ago about being in good health and looking forward to her upcoming European tour later this year.

A spokesman confirmed the positive news, saying: "We are very sorry to announce that Bonnie has been admitted to hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she has a home, for emergency intestinal surgery.

"The surgery went well and she is now recuperating. We know that all of her family, friends and fans will be concerned about this news and will be wishing her well for a full and swift recovery."

Ms Tyler has had a deep connection to the Algarve region for over four decades, having first fallen in love with Portugal while recording an album back in the 1970s.

She purchased her first property there in the early 1980s.

Speaking to Hello! magazine in March, Ms Tyler had painted a picture of someone in fine form, saying: "I'm fit enough at the moment, touch wood, and I'm really enjoying doing the shows.

"I'm still rocking on that stage with my wonderful band, and if you've got your health, you've got everything."

At the time, her only real concern was some knee trouble, which she'd successfully addressed through surgical washouts.

The Welsh star has a European tour scheduled for later this year, though it remains to be seen how her recovery might affect those plans.

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Ms Tyler splits her time between Portugal and south Wales with her husband Robert Sullivan, a property developer and former Olympic judo athlete.

The couple knocked down their original five-bedroom villa in Albufeira about a decade ago, replacing it with a stunning glass-fronted home designed by a Spanish architect.

Despite being in her mid-70s, the singer has made it clear she has absolutely no plans to hang up the microphone.

Speaking to the Mirror last year, she said: "I started singing when I was 17, and I never thought I'd still be doing it at this age."

She added: I've slowed down a little bit, but I know now that I will never retire."

Fans of the singer have been quick to share their well-wishes for the beloved star.

"Get well soon Bonnie!" one fan posted on social media, as another penned: "I hope she’s ok it’s a huge operation."

A third added: "Get well soon, Bonnie, one in a million!!

"We love you," wrote another.