Veteran television icon Bert Newton has been hospitalised ahead of life-saving heart surgery tomorrow.

The veteran TV personality is apprehensive but positive as he faces quadruple bypass heart surgery at the Epworth Hospital, in Richmond, Melbourne.

"I couldn't say I'm scared (but) apprehensive," he said on Friday.

"Things like this, it does depend on attitude.

"I think I have a good attitude and a very positive attitude which is important.

"I got a family that I want to be with for a long time."

The surgery is expected to last around five hours.

It is understood Newton had been suffering from chest pains in recent weeks.

He consulted a doctor on Wednesday who sent him straight to hospital.

Newton has a history of heart trouble.

He was hospitalised in Singapore in February and had a stent inserted in his artery.