Sir John Hurt diagnosed with cancer

VETERAN actor Sir John Hurt has been diagnosed with his cancer but will keep working and says he is “more than optimistic” about his future.

John Hurt has been diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Getty Images

The star, 75, has enjoyed a successful career with notable roles including Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant, the title role in The Elephant Man and a recurring role in the Harry Potter films. He also had played one of the ill-fated crew members in sci fi horror film Alien, starring Sigourney Weaver.

In a statement, he said: “I have always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement.

“I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer. I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team.

“I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell (one of life’s small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4.”