Tony Blair will have an operation to correct an irregular heartbeat today.

The news broke last night as the prime minister gave interviews to three television channels.

Downing Street revealed the problem recurred in August while the Blair family was on holiday.

Number 10 described the operation as a "heart procedure".

It will involve the insertion of a catheter to restore his heart’s rhythm to normal. He will be sedated during the two hour procedure.

Blair told the BBC: "It’s not particularly alarming but it’s something that you should get fixed. It’s a routine procedure. I’ve had it for the last couple of months and it has not impeded me doing my work and feeling fine but it is as well to get it done."

He added that the problem had not made him consider giving up the job.

"I am not going on and on and on," he said.

He said that he expects to be back at his desk on Monday and go ahead with a trip to Africa next week.

Downing Street also announced that the Blairs had bought a £3.6 million house in Connaught Square, Central London.

It is to be leased out until the Blairs retire, when it will become their family home and office.

Tory leader Michael Howard said he was "sorry to hear about the prime minister's ill health".

Gordon Brown sent the prime minister his best wishes from the G7 meeting in the US.