Lorraine Kelly calls Ian McKellen a 'total trooper' after stage fall

Lily Waddell
Ian McKellen is a 'total trooper' says Lorraine Kelly as she sends well wishes
Ian McKellen is a 'total trooper' says Lorraine Kelly as she sends well wishes. (Getty) (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

Sir Ian McKellen is a "total trooper" as he plans to be back at the theatre performing on Wednesday after falling off the stage, Lorraine Kelly has said.

The acting legend "belly-flopped" to the floor after losing his footing during a fight scene at the Noel Coward Theatre, in central London on Monday sparking concerns from audience members and fans alike. McKellen is playing John Falstaff in Player Kings.

During the health and news segment, Kelly said the news that the actor had fallen off the stage was "disturbing" while holding a conversation with Dr Hilary. Also, the TV host had praise for the acting legend as she sent him her well wishes on her daytime TV show.

The Noel Coward theatre in London where Sir Ian McKellen is performing
The Noel Coward theatre in London where Sir Ian McKellen is performing. (Getty) (Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images)

Kelly: "This is disturbing. Ian McKellen, when he was on stage, had a bad fall didn't he? He was rushed to hospital."

Dr Hilary said: "Belly-flopped apparently. Fell off the stage. Belly-flopped to the floor. Rushed to hospital presumably as a precautionary measure. They say he's going to be back next Wednesday. Bruising can take a while to come out. We wish him well. What a drama."

Kelly added: "Thank goodness he is so well and so fit."

Dr Hilary however shared his concerns because of McKellen's age. He said: "He's 85. A fall at 85 is potentially quite serious."

Kelly celebrated the actor for his attitude of "the show must go on" and for being a "total trooper". She said: "I know it’s not good. But you know what he’s like, a total trooper, the show must go on, he’s probably sitting this morning in his hospital bed - or hopefully he’s back home - we’re sending you all our love. We will keep you updated as we hear how he’s getting on. Everybody is talking about this, he’s so well loved."

Later on This Morning, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard also sent their well wishes to the actor who recently joined them on the sofa. Shephard said: "We just want to say we are sending lots of love to Sir Ian who fell off the stage last night. He's doing well... Get well soon from all of us."

Sir Ian McKellen is going to make a speedy recovery
Sir Ian McKellen is going to make a speedy recovery, the theatre said. (Getty) (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

Doctors have reassured everyone that McKellen will make a "speedy and full recovery" after a scan at the hospital, the theatre said. The star is expected to return to the stage for Wednesday’s matinee performance.

A spokesperson for the theatre 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."

A BBC journalist was among the audience and broke the story. Audience member Paul Critchley said the fall was a shock.

Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, told PA: "It was a shock to witness his fall and I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts are also with his fellow cast members, stage crew and front-of-house team at the Noel Coward Theatre."

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/lorraine-kelly-ian-mckellen-stage-injury-update-hospital-094221386.html

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