The family of Australian comedian Barry Humphries have rushed to his bedside as the entertainer is in a 'serious' condition.
The comedian, who is best known as character Dame Edna Everage, recently underwent hip replacement surgery but was readmitted to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney earlier this week due to complications.
Now, it has been announced the comedian is "comfortable" and surrounded by loved ones in hospital – with the comedian's family breaking their silence with a message from Barry.
Entertainment Peter Ford told Australia's Channel Seven's Sunrise programme of the 89-year-old comedian's condition.
He tweeted a clip from the show and wrote: "Statement to media due to be released shortly. At this moment Barry is a serious condition but being kept comfortable. He's surrounded by family."
Barry, who is also known for his Sir Les Patterson character, returned to hospital following complications from a hip replacement surgery.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford added on Sunrise: "Barry won’t give up easily. Barry has something marked on his calendar and that is to say he'll be back on stage before the end of the year.
"He's been travelling around the UK last year doing a one man show, largely sitting in a chair and talking about the great characters he's created through the years.
"Whether that's a realistic goal for Barry, I don't know, but either way it's not over until it's over but I am told Barry's health has worsened in the last week."
Ford also said things "are tough" for the comedian but added: "I reckon Barry has a fighting spirit and he's not going to give up easily."
When asked how long Barry would be hospitalised for, Ford said things were "up in the air" and added: "There are very serious concerns about what happens next … it is a very tough time at the moment.
"But he's got great care, he's got fantastic medical team behind him. His family and friends – closest family – are rallying behind him."
Barry's family have now broken their silence and released a statement, which was read out on Australia's 10 News First.
The statement read: "Barry Humphries is currently in hospital receiving treatment for health issues.
"Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes he's received but would like more and more."
It continued: "He would also like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at St Vincent's Hospital."
Meanwhile, Barry's wife Lizzie Spender told Sunday Morning Herald: "He's fine."
While another friend said: "He’s with doctors at the moment".
Last week, journalist Andrew Neil revealed he had visited Barry in hospital.
Andrew, 73, tweeted on Saturday: "Visited legendary Barry Humphries in Sydney hospital during my Oz trip. As always he had me in stitches even though he’s been undergoing various treatments for months in hospital. I am in awe of his courage. And, of course, his humour, which is irrepressible, even in adversity."
Last month, Barry admitted he was "in agony" after breaking his hip.
The comedian told the Sydney Morning Herald: "It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are. I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went."
Fans have sent well-wishes to Barry on social media as one said: "Sending much love to Barry Humphries".
Another tweeted: "Hope you are ok Barry Humphries. Get well soon."
