SIR IAN MCKELLEN, 85, REVEALS INJURIES AFTER NASTY FALL OFF STAGE LEFT HIM 'SCREAMING'

Sir Ian McKellen has updated fans on his health after falling off stage during a theatre show last month, revealing he suffered injuries to his wrist and neck.

‘Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend,’ he wrote on social media.

‘My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.’

This comes after Sir Ian said it is with ‘the greatest reluctance’ he is taking medical advice to ‘protect [his] recovery’ and withdraw from the national tour of Player Kings.

The acting legend, 85, went flying from the West End stage on June 18 during a fight scene after losing his footing. He landed on an audience member who also required medical attention.

Sir Ian was taken to hospital for treatment and the remaining two shows were cancelled to allow him to rest before his understudy stepped in.

In his most recent update, Sir Ian explained how how he felt ‘shame’ for missing the four week run of Player Kings starting today.

‘The show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour  without me,’ he said.

‘My understudy David Semark, who with panache took over for the final performances at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End of London, will play Falstaff again in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

‘Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience. But Robert Icke’s masterful production remains intact.

‘His mis en scene is compelling throughout and his actors, led by Toheeb Jimho and Richard Coyle as Prince Hal and his father, remain on top form. Go see for yourself!’

While Sir Ian was initially able to return to complete the run, it was later confirmed his understudy would step in to play Sir John Falstaff.

Days ago, Sir Ian shared another update: ‘Two weeks after my accident onstage, my injuries improve day by day.

‘It’s with the greatest reluctance that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery by not working in the meantime.

‘I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatre-goers in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

‘But I can assure them that, with David Semark now playing Falstaff, Robert Icke’s production and his acting company remain as dazzling as ever. Go see for yourself!’

A statement from the production added: ‘Following Ian McKellen’s injury during the West End run of Player Kings, his doctors’ advice is to take time off from work in order to fully recover.

‘As such, he will not be returning to play Sir John Falstaff in the national tour of Players Kings (July 3-27, 2024).

‘Ian continues to recuperate very well, but he needs the time to rest and ensure a complete recovery.  We continue to send him our best wishes.

‘As it was for the final West End performances, the role of Falstaff will now be performed by David Semark, Ian’s brilliant understudy, for all tour dates of Player Kings.’

Previously, Sir Ian assured concerned fans that he was recovering well.

The Hobbit star told Metro.co.uk: ‘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.’

He thanked everyone for their ‘many messages of love and support’ for aiding his ‘speedy’ healing process.

An eye witness at the production described to Good Morning Britain how Sir Ian went ‘headfirst into the audience’ after missing a step.

‘Within seconds a bloodcurdling scream emerged from the actor,’ Charlie Johnson recalled.

Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome on July 3.

Semark trained at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (Rada) and has credits in TV shows including EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK and The Bill.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a Soaps fan? For exclusive spoilers and interviews, sign up to Metro's Soaps newsletter

2024-07-01T15:04:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd