Ian McKellan, 85, breaks silence after West End fall - 'I am hugely indebted'

ok.co.uk:

Sir Ian McKellen is "looking forward to returning to work" after he fell from a West End stage earlier this week.The veteran stage and screen actor, 85, was portraying John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday (June 17) when he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage.

In a statement on Tuesday (June 18) evening, he said he is "hugely indebted" to the medical staff who have assured him his recovery will be "complete and speedy". "I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support," Sir Ian said in the statement posted to X, formerly Twitter.

Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service.To them, of course, I am hugely indebted." He continued: "They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work." After the accident, he was taken to hospital to receive treatment and the remainder of Monday and Tuesday's performances were cancelled to allow him to rest.

Sir Ian had been expected to return for Wednesday's (June 19) matinee performance, but it was announced on Tuesday that the show will now not return until Thursday (June 20).