Sir Ian McKellen health update after he was hospitalised after horror fall off stage
Sir Ian McKellen has shared that he's undergoing physiotherapy after a fall from a West End stage on Monday, causing him to take a break from his current performance.
The final London shows of the production, Player Kings, will see Sir Ian's stand-in stepping into the role of Falstaff while the seasoned actor recovers from the mishap.
His publicist Clair Dobbs relayed a statement to the PA news agency on his behalf: "After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I'm now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home."
"Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke's amazing production and cast."
"The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me."
The 85 year old screen and stage actor was rushed to hospital on June 17 for treatment after he lost his balance during a fight scene and fell off the stage. The rest of the night's show was cancelled following the incident.
Sir Ian was anticipated to return for Wednesday's performance before it was announced on Tuesday that the show would not resume until Thursday evening.
A post to the Player Kings X, formerly Twitter, account on Thursday revealed that actor David Semark would replace him for the remaining London dates.
The statement read: "David Semark will be stepping into the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London, as Ian McKellen recovers from his fall on Monday 17 June."
It continued: "We eagerly anticipate Ian's return to the production, which kicks off a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before making stops in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle."
The last shows in London are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. David, who is Sir Ian's understudy, is a graduate of the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (Rada) and has appeared in TV shows such as EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK and The Bill.
Following his tumble, The Lord Of The Rings star and Olivier Award-winner Sir Ian expressed his gratitude for all the supportive messages he received.
He penned on X: "I want to extend my thanks to everyone for their kind words and support. Since the incident during last night's performance of Player Kings, I've been diagnosed and treated by a team of experts, specialists and nurses from the National Health Service."
"I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. They have assured me that my recovery will be full and swift, and I'm excited to get back to work."
A representative for the London theatre told PA in a statement: "We appreciate the well wishes from our audience and the public following Ian's fall during this evening's performance of Player Kings."
"Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits."
"The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest."
