Australian TV icon Bert Newton is recovering after having his leg amputated on Saturday.

The 82-year-old's agent, Jackie Booler, confirmed reports the surgery occurred after the star suffered complications from an infected toe.

Ms Booler said Newton was "doing well".

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford has described the below-the-knee amputation as a "life or death" decision.

But Ford said the veteran entertainer did not want his surgery reported as a "sad story".

Ford said the family felt grateful the treatment would give Bert Newton more time with his wife Patti, and their children and grandchildren.

"It started off just before Christmas time, a toe infection, it didn't seem particularly dramatic at the time," Ford told 3AW.

But he said doctors' concerns grew over time, before Newton was given "the ultimatum".

"You only have a couple of months to live [but] if you have this operation and we amputate your leg you could have many years ahead," Ford said.

"So that was the choice, and Bert clearly chose to stick around."

Newton was in "reasonably good spirits" considering the significant surgery, Ford said.

Ms Booler said the family would not be commenting further at this stage.