Sir Ian McKellen is in "good spirits" and expected to make a "full recovery" after his terrifying fall while on stage last night.
The acting icon, 85, who has been treading the boards for decades, lost his footing during an intense fight scene in a performance of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London and was rushed to hospital.
Despite reportedly letting out a "blood-curdling scream" and pleading: "Help me" after he fell, no serious harm appears to have been done to the L ord of the Rings star, who played Gandalf in the film franchise.
Updating fans on Sir Ian's health, a spokesperson for the London theatre said: "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."
Sir Ian McKellen, was rushed to hospital on Monday after falling off the stage (Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The star was reportedly screaming 'help me' after he fellThey continued: "The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.”
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The statement also thanked doctors Rachel and Lee who were “on hand in the audience” and to the venue staff “for their support”. Sir Ian is expected to next appear in Wednesday’s matinee performance of the production.
Following the shocking accident, the audience was swiftly evacuated from the theatre and informed that the evening's performance would be cancelled.
An eyewitness, Charlie Johnson, spoke to Good Morning Britain about the impact of Sir Ian's fall, revealing exactly what happened on the night. He explained: "As we approached the interval of the play, there was a fight scene going on and there were strobe lights and then it all went dark; at which point you could see the silhouette of Sir Ian come out the wings. The way the stage works at the Noel Coward, there's a step down and that's where the stage meets the audience.
"I think what happened is he took his foot too far off that initial step and lost his balance and went headfirst into the audience. Within seconds, a blood curling stream arose from the actor and he was clearly in a lot of pain and screaming 'help me.'"
Audience members also took to X, formerly Twitter, with their recollection of the night. One said: "Just witnessed Ian Mckellan severely injure himself after falling off stage at Noel Coward Theatre. Sir Ian could be heard screaming in pain as ushers rushed to his aid."
Another shared: "Audience shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall off stage on Monday evening at Noel Coward Theatre. Staff working hard to help him. Thoughts with him, cast and crew." While a third replied: "Shocking to watch, it was a terrible fall. Hoping he is not badly injured, he seemed to be in great pain."
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