Matt Lucas quits show mid performance after falling ill
Matt Lucas has given his fans a health update over social media after he had to pull out of Les Miserables mid-performance after falling ill. The comedy legend is currently touring in the 2025 international area tour of Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular.
The show is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original London production and Matt is playing the role of criminal and brute Monsieur Thénardier. The show is currently on its Australia leg of the tour where the quick cast change was forced to occur.
On May 14, Matt had to leave the Sydney theatre due to health concerns while his understudy took over the role, reports the Mirror. The 51-year-old took to Instagram on Friday to update his 405,000 followers on his health.
He wrote: "I've been having a magical time in Les Misérables in arenas across Sydney and Melbourne," he wrote. "In over 30 years, I've never had to bow out of a performance, but tonight, as I was singing Master Of The House, I could feel my voice deserting me.
"So if Thénardier looked very different in act two, that was because the amazing Connor James took over. I am now in bed resting up, and I hope to be back on stage soon."
His fans have gone on to fill the comments section of his post with well wishes, as one person wrote: "Aw take care of yourself matt, rest yourself and come back strong again!"
His former Great British Bake Off co-host Noel Fielding also wrote: "Get well soon lovely," while former EastEnders and Once Upon A Time star Sean Maguire commented: "I hope you feel better soon, my dear friend. X."
Gail McKinnion, from Brave and Doctors, went on to say: "Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. Rest up, you'll be fighting fit in no time x."
Matt first shot to fame over 20 years ago with David Walliams through their hit show Little Britain. The comedic duo has revealed earlier this year that they are now working together on a new project - a podcast called Making a Scene.
The pair have since released regular episodes, with some featuring interviews with huge stars such as Simon Pegg and Daisy May Cooper.
David and Matt first met at the National Youth Theatre in the early 90s, where they quickly shared a bond over comedy and impressions. In 1999, the pair marked one of their first collaborations on Rock Profile, which lead to other TV parts.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
However, this all led to the duo finally making it big with Little Britain in 2003. Running until 2006, the sketch show initially aired on BBC Three before moving to BBC One. However, the show has faced backlash in recent years, with Ofcom branding some sketches as being "explicitly racist and outdated" back in 2023.
Last year, David teased fans with the idea of bringing back Little Britain, sharing that he thought that offence and shock "can actually be quite exciting".
He added: "The comedy I grew up with, whether it's Mel Brooks or Monty Python... I love being shocked. I mean, offence is a bit of a different thing, isn't it, and as a white, middle aged man things don't offend you in the same way as they might if you were a member of a minority group.
"But at the same time, I think comedy has got to be playful. And the thing is, if you're worried every time you make a joke… You have half a second to decide with the thing you're going to say, you should say or not."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
28 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Bob Vylan dropped from UK festival after Glastonbury controversy
Bob Vylan dropped from UK festival after Glastonbury controversy Bob Vylan have been dropped from the RADAR Festival in Manchester, with organisers confirming the news just days before the event is due to take place Bobby Vylan of Bob Vylan performs on the West Holts stage during day four of Glastonbury festival 2025 (Image: Getty Images ) Bob Vylan have been axed from a huge UK festival lineup following the controversy surrounding their Glastonbury appearance. The punk group was set to perform at RADAR Festival in Manchester, but the event's organisers have confirmed that the band will not be appearing. The festival stated on social media: "Bob Vylan will not be appearing at RADAR Festival this weekend." This decision comes after the duo released a statement claiming they are being "targeted for speaking up", following backlash over their Glastonbury Festival performance where they led chants of "Death to the IDF". Bob Vylan's plans to tour in America later in the year have also hit a snag as their visas were denied. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Since their appearance at Glastonbury on June 28, they have been dropped by their agents and are now under criminal investigation due to footage from their set at the festival. On July 1, the band commented: "Not the first. Not the last. Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace. "Last week, it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band," as reported by the Mirror, reports the Daily Star. Article continues below They further clarified their stance, saying: "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. "We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use 'unnecessary lethal forces' against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza." They continued: "We, like those in the public eye before us, are not the story. We are a diversion from the real story. "And whatever sanctions we receive will be a diversion. The Government doesn't want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity. "To ask why they aren't doing more to stop the killing? To feed the starving?". "The more time they talk about Bob Vylan, the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction. "We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. "We will not be the last and if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too. Free Palestine." Earlier in the week, news surfaced that Bob Vylan's US visas were denied. Christopher Landau, United States Deputy Secretary of State, addressed the issue on X/Twitter by saying: "The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants." He added, "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country." Amid these revelations, although Bob Vylan's performance was broadcast live by the BBC, the broadcaster has since confirmed that there are no intentions to make the footage available again on iPlayer. Article continues below
Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Joe Swash aims to 'transform lives' across the UK with latest TV show
The actor-turned-TV cook is to give out more useful advice about how to eat better on a budget for Channel 4 Joe Swash has cemented his position as a TV cook after landing a second run of his Channel 4 series Batch from Scratch: Cooking for Less. The show, which he fronts alongside batch-cooking expert Suzanne Mulholland, pulled in more than a million viewers for its first run earlier this year, as families across the country tuned in to discover how to make their time and money go further. Now bosses have decided the pair can expand on their useful advice about cooking and freezing meals to help avoid unhealthy processed food, and have ordered another six episodes for next year. Joe and Suzanne told the Mirror: 'We're both excited to keep spreading the word about the power of batch cooking and look forward to teaming up again to transform the lives of families around the UK.' Joe is the main cook for his family, which comprises wife Stacey Solomon and their household of five kids. Between them, at their home in Essex, they have teens Leighton and Zachary plus younger trio Rex, five, Rose, three, and two-year-old Belle. His role as a TV chef came after he reached the final of Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. Joe, 43, says that he loves to cook, with his favourite meals being Sunday roasts and the Christmas dinner. That will come in handy because Batch from Scratch, made in partnership with supermarket Lidl, will also have a festive special at the end of the year. In the programme, families who are striving to eat well while sticking to a budget sign up to try out nutritious, stress-busting recipes and clever kitchen hacks. The plan is to help cut meal prep time right down by batch cooking, freezing and storing multiple meals. When the series first launched, Joe said: 'The last few years have seen every one of us juggling so many stresses, not least the rising cost of our food. Suzanne and I are hoping to give households the tools to not just save the pennies and the pounds, but also have more time to spend on being together as a family.' Joe's co-host Suzanne, is a bona fide expert having published five books about batch cooking. One family last time around were spending more than £250 a week on food - double the national average for their family of five, and were also relying heavily on convenience food. Suzanne and Joe created a 28-day meal plan for the family, showing them how to make a healthy macaroni cheese and burgers from scratch, using pre-grated cheese and pre-chopped vegetables to save time. Made in Cardiff, the six-part second series will air next year. Casting opens tomorrow, and families interested in being on the show should head to
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders' Heather Peace reveals wife Ellie has breast cancer after her own surgery and treatment to beat the disease
She said wife Ellie's lump was "smaller and aggressive" CANCER SHOCK EastEnders' Heather Peace reveals wife Ellie has breast cancer after her own surgery and treatment to beat the disease Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star Heather Peace has revealed her wife Ellie has breast cancer - just a month after she had her own surgery to beat the disease. The actress, 50, who plays Eve Sopal-Unwin in the BBC soap, was diagnosed in October and went public with the news last month after having a mastectomy. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Heather Peace has revealed wife Ellie also has breast cancer Credit: instagram 4 Heather spoke about fighting cancer for the first time last month Credit: Instagram 4 Heather with her EastEnders co-star, Suki Panesar star Balvinder Sopal Credit: Instagram Now, as she prepares to begin radiotherapy treatment, Heather told the Mirror that Ellie has quietly been living with the condition too. She explained: "Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy. "Of course then I come along with my 12 cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy. "She's like 'Even that you have to do bigger.' It's like 'Hold my beer.'" Heather announced that she had been having chemotherapy and surgery for breast cancer last month on social media. She captioned her post: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. "It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. EastEnders legend set for heartbreak as she makes shock decision amid secret affair "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." Heather told her followers she has been "forever changed" by the disease and paid tribute to Ellie and their three daughters, Annie, Jessie and Lola, for getting her through it. She said she was "just trying to appreciate every moment of them". Heather added: "There have been so many positives. "Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team. "And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut. "I've felt totally supported by you all. Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who've been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are). "Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It's so appreciated." Heather ended her post admitting "life feels very different now" but said "it's wonderful". She said: "I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx" Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter on the show, was among the first to send her well wishes. She penned: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." What are the signs of breast cancer? BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer. If it's treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following: a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood) a lump or swelling in either of your armpits dimpling on the skin of your breasts a rash on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Source: NHS Honey Mitchell actress Emma Barton wrote: "Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You're frigging Ace!!!" Soap fans know her as Walford's Eve, but Heather also has another job away from our TV screens. The star is also a singer and has released five albums. Heather regularly performs up and down the country and treats her Instagram followers to snippets of her gigs. The talented artist can play guitar and piano and performs with a band at live concerts. Heather got her first taste of music success in 2000 when her London's Burning character sang Bette Midler song The Rose, which was released and reached no. 58 in the UK charts. She has since released five albums, the last of which was 2018's Hey Mayhem. The Bradford born star, who also played Nikki Boston in Waterloo Road, joined EastEnders as Eve in October 2021. Stacey Slater's former cellmate and wife has been a regular in the soap ever since, most recently marrying second wife Suki Panesar.
