Sir Ian McKellen has thanked the NHS in a statement speaking out for the first time after suffering an on-stage fall.
The revered Burnley-born actor is currently starring as John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s prestigious West End, but during Monday (17 June) night’s show, the 85-year-old was said to have he lost his footing on stage while performing a fight scene and reportedly fell into the orchestra pit.
Audience members who took to social media shortly after the incident said they heard the McKellen “cry out in pain” after falling, before the theatre was swiftly evacuated.
Sir Ian was taken to hospital for medical treatment following the dramatic fall, and the theatre subsequently issued a statement saying it had made the decision to cancel the shows on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Fans were reassured, however, that the actor was “in good spirits” and expected to “make a full recovery”.
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Sir Ian McKellen is is currently starring as John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre / Credit: ATG Tickets
Now, for the first time since suffering the fall, the Tony, Olivier, and Golden Globe award-winning actor has issued a statement thanking the public for all their “kind messages and support”, as well as thanking the country’s health service for the treatment he received.
McKellen said he is “hugely indebted” to the NHS in his update message.
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Taking to X to speak to fans directly yesterday evening (18 June), Sir Ian wrote: “I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support.
“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.”
I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. 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…
As well as thanking fans for their support and the NHS for the treatment he received, Sir Ian also gave an update on his anticipated recovery journey, and made sure to say how much he is eager to get back on stage as soon as possible.
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“[The NHS] have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy,” McKellen’s statement continued, “and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
The Noel Coward Theatre has confirmed in an updated statement on X that it intends to go ahead with tomorrow night’s show (Thursday 19 June).
David Semark is listed on the Player’s Kings wesbite as the “cover” actor for Sir Ian’s leading role.
Featured Image – Manuel Harlan / Player Kings (via X)
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Phil Foden flying home from Euro 2024 for ‘birth of third child’
Danny Jones
Phil Foden has reportedly left the England camp and is said to be flying home to England temporarily from Euro 2024 for the birth of his third child.
The Manchester City and Three Lions star is thought to have already left the national team camp on Wednesday, 26 June following England’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia which saw top Group C.
It has now been clarified that his long-term partner Rebecca Cooke has given birth to their third child, according to the BBC. A dad’s got to have priorities.
The attacking midfielder has played as a left-sided forward in all of England‘s group fixtures thus far and looked to have had his brightest performance yet on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old, who won Premier League Player of the Season for 23/24, looked to be struggling in the opening two games but nearly grabbed an assist in the final group fixture only for the move to be ultimately ruled out for offside.
It remains unclear how long Foden will be away from the rest of his England teammates but we’re just glad to hear it’s good news. Congratulations, Phil!
The couple have two children: two-year-old daughter True and first-born son Ronnie, five, who oddly went viral in South America last year and is already a bit of a footballing star himself.
With Gareth Southgate‘s side still yet to find any real momentum in the tournament, the squad, pundits and fans alike will still be hoping he can return as soon as possible if they are to gain the kind of attacking rhythm they are crying out for ahead of the knockouts.
England play their round of 16 match in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday at 5pm (GMT), though their opponents will only be confirmed following Wednesday’s final group games.
But for now, congrats again to the young couple – we wish them all the best as they welcome a new life into the world and look forward to seeing the local lad back on the pitch when he’s ready.
FA confirm date and kick-off time for 2024 Manchester derby Community Shield
Danny Jones
The FA has finally confirmed the date and scheduled kick-off time for the 2024 Community Shield between Manchester United and Manchester City.
It was only last month that we saw the second-ever Manchester derby FA Cup final in history play out and now we’ll see the two teams return to the capital in just over a month and a half for another clash.
Revealing the Community Shield details on Wednesday, this year’s game will take place at 3pm on Saturday, 10 August.
Best getting booking them train tickets, Manc.
This year’s Community Shield kick-off time will be identical to the last two FA Cups. (Credit: Ratchet8865 via Wikimedia Commons)
With Man City having won a record fourth Premier League in a row and Man United getting one over on the Blues against the odds in last season’s FA Cup final, the neighbours will take each other on for just the third time in the history of the Community Shield – United having prevailed in both of the previous.
The Red Devils have won the title a total of 17 times, while the Cityzens have lifted the pre-season trophy just six times.
Given the nature of the rivalry, the kick-off time comes as little surprise, with 3pm having been chosen for the start of the last two Manchester derbies at Wembley to aid with travel and crowd control.
Nevertheless, an increased police presence will once again be expected in London.
While featuring in the Community Shield has been a regular occurrence for City over the past few years, they have only won two under Pep Guardiola. Meanwhile, this will be Erik ten Hag’s first experience of the fixture and United haven’t taken part in it since they last won the FA Cup in the 2016/17 season.
The match will be televised live on ITV 1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, with comprehensive radio coverage from BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC World Service, TalkSPORT and TalkSPORT International.
Although the allocations and further ticket information remain unclear, the FA said they will announce all of the important details “at the earliest opportunity”.
Emily Sergeant -
19th June 2024 
