UPDATE: TV HOST Rove McManus has sent his best wishes to friend Bert Newton who is recovering in intensive care following quadruple bypass heart surgery in Melbourne.

Newton, 74, went under the knife for quadruple bypass surgery at Epworth Hospital on Saturday morning and is now recovering in ICU following the five-and-a-half hour procedure.

Doctors say the surgery was a success and will continue to keep a close eye on the television and stage veteran.

McManus, who is currently based in the US for his talk show Rove LA, has used Twitter to wish Newton well.

media_camera Bert Newton pictured with Rove McManus back in 2004.

"Sending out nothing but the most positive thoughts to tv legend Bert Newton for a safe and speedy recovery," McManus tweeted.

In 2005 McManus famously shared a lengthy kiss with Newton during the Australia Unites telethon to raise money for the World Vision Tsunami appeal.

A caller had pledged to donate $10,000 if the pair kissed on air, which they did, to the amusement of the celebrities in attendance at Melbourne's Telstra Dome, and the millions watching on live television.

Yesterday Patti Newton spoke to waiting media about her relief once the operation was over.

"I just went and saw him for a second and he is not a pretty sight at the moment, but hopefully that will get better,'' she said.

"But it's early days yet.

media_camera Bert Newton with his granddaughter, Lola, at Epworth Hospital. Picture: Alex Coppel

"At least he got through the operation and that's the main thing.''

Newton told the Herald Sun from his hospital bed that he was looking forward to a full recovery after weeks if not months of rehab.

"Getting back to normal is quite a long journey,'' he said.

"I'll be in rehab, and probably wont be precisely 100 per cent for about two or three months, but I accept that.

"Because the good news is that there is every chance I will be back to normal.''

- With AAP