Sir Ian McKellen condition update released after star hurt in shocking fall from stage

Sir Ian McKellen is in "good spirits" and expected to "make a speedy and full recovery" after falling off stage during a West End performance, according to a theatre spokesperson.

The 85-year-old actor and star of Lord of the Rings and X-Men, who is a former Bolton schoolboy and is currently portraying John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre, lost his footing during a fight scene in Monday evening's performance. A spokesperson for the London theatre expressed gratitude to the audience and general public for their well wishes following Ian's fall during the performance of Player Kings.

They said: “Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes 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 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”

Sir Ian is anticipated to return for Wednesday's matinee performance of the production. Following the incident, the remainder of the evening performance was cancelled and audience members were evacuated from the premises.

A BBC journalist who was present at the play reported that the esteemed stage and screen actor fell off the front of the stage during a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy. The actor was heard crying out in pain as staff hurried to his aid.

Paul Critchley, an audience member, described the incident to as a