Matt Lucas pulls out of Les Mis show due to health issues
The 51-year-old actor and comedian has been starring as Monsieur Thénardier in the touring production of the musical in Australia but was replaced by his co-star Connor Jones after taking ill on stage.
He wrote on Instagram: 'I've been having a magical time in Les Misérables in arenas in Sydney and Melbourne.
'In over 30 years I've never had to bow out during a performance but tonight, as I was singing 'Master Of The House', I could feel my voice deserting me,
'So if Thenardier looked very different in Act 2, that was because the amazing Connor Jones took over.
'I'm now in bed resting up, and hope to be back on stage soon.'
'Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular' began in Sydney last month and continues in Melbourne until May 25, before moving to Brisbane for five shows.
The Australian leg is a limited five-week run celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original London production.
Meanwhile, Matt recently issued an apology to actress Millie Bobby Brown after he used a catchphrase from a 'Little Britain' character to mock her appearance.
Matt wrote 'no but yeah but', the famous phrase from delinquent teenager Vicky Pollard in the popular sketch comedy series, above pictures of the young actress.
However, after Millie, 21, hit out at those mocking her appearance, he wrote: 'Dear Millie, I just saw your post and wanted to respond, and provide some context. Nearly 25 years ago I co-wrote and appeared in a sketch show called Little Britain.
'There was a character in it called Vicky Pollard, who had blonde hair and always wore a pink top, and in the photo you had blonde hair and wore a pink top so I pointed out the similarity by posting one of her catchphrases.
'I thought you looked terrific and I was mortified when the press wrote that I 'slammed' you, firstly because that's not my style, and secondly, because I think you're brilliant.
'I would not have posted it if I had thought it would have upset you but I realise it has and for that, I apologise.'
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