Monty Python legend Eric Idle has been forced to cancel his upcoming tour on medical advice, telling devastated fans that his doctors have ordered him to step away from the stage.
The 83-year-old comedian, who previously survived pancreatic cancer, was due to embark on a series of live shows across Australia and New Zealand in November and December.
However, he has now announced that the entire run of An Evening of Idle Conversation has been cancelled due to health concerns.
Breaking the disappointing news in a statement, Idle admitted he was reluctant to abandon the performances but had little choice but to follow medical advice.
‘It is with great regret that, on the advice of my doctors, I must withdraw from my planned An Evening of Idle Conversation tour of Australia and New Zealand,’ he said.
‘They are some of my favourite places to play, and this isn’t a decision I take lightly, but when the doctors talk, I must listen.’
Apologising to those who had purchased tickets, the comedy veteran added: ‘My apologies to the venues and to all those who were coming to see me.
‘Thank you for your support, as ever, and I will do all I can to get back there soon, health permitting. Meanwhile you can still read my book.’
The tour had been scheduled to begin in Melbourne on November 22, with further performances planned in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
The shows would have seen the comedian reflect on his extraordinary six-decade career, including his years with Monty Python and friendships with fellow entertainment legends George Harrison and Robin Williams.
They were also intended to celebrate the release of his latest memoir, Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme, which he recently promoted during a string of appearances in Britain.
No further details about the medical concerns behind the cancellation have been disclosed, and there is no suggestion that his previous cancer has returned.
The news comes four years after Idle revealed he had secretly battled pancreatic cancer following a diagnosis in 2019.
Fortunately, the disease was discovered early enough for him to undergo successful treatment, and he was subsequently given the all-clear.
the comedian later admitted that he had initially laughed when doctors delivered the diagnosis because of an extraordinary coincidence involving his own work.
His doctor had previously suggested pancreatic cancer as a suitably grim way to kill off a character in Idle’s stage production Death: The Musical.
Reflecting on the experience, he told The Sunday Times newspaper: ‘I laughed because I thought it was a joke.
‘But I survived! Basically I shouldn’t f***ing be here.
‘Every day is extra time for me. I just hope there aren’t any penalties at the end.’
Idle first found fame as one of the six members of Monty Python, alongside John Cleese, Sir Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, the late Graham Chapman, and Terry Jones.
The troupe revolutionised British comedy with Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which aired from 1969 until 1974, before conquering the big screen with films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
Idle also wrote the enduring comedy anthem Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, which has become something of a philosophy for the star in the years since his cancer diagnosis.
Organisers have confirmed that ticket holders will receive refunds, which are being processed automatically.