'Early stages' of prostate cancer shock for Lloyd Webber

Published on Sunday 25 October 2009 21:06

COMPOSER Andrew Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was revealed yesterday.

A statement issued by his publicists said: "Andrew Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The condition is in its very early stages.

"Andrew is now undergoing treatment and expects to be fully back at work before the end of the year."

Public relations firm Brown Lloyd James said it would not be releasing any further details.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, 61, is best known for his musicals which include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and The Phantom of the Opera.

Earlier this month the theatre impresario launched the long-awaited sequel to Phantom, Love Never Dies, at Her Majesty's Theatre in London.

Phantom, which has been seen by some 100 million people worldwide, opened some 23 years ago.

Prostate cancer affects around 35,000 men in the UK each year and kills just over 10,000.

The disease is the most common cancer in British men, accounting for a quarter of all new cases.

The cancer mainly affects men over the age of 50, with symptoms which can include pain in the lower back, pelvis and hips.

It is understood Lord Lloyd-Webber was diagnosed with the cancer in the past few weeks and he has now been admitted to hos-pital for a few days' treatment.

Rehearsals for his new show are due to begin in January.

Next year he is also due to launch a television show to find a Dorothy and Toto for a new theatrical production of The Wizard of Oz.

He has already taken part in three BBC series, to find leads for the West End musicals How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and Oliver!