Iconic comedian Barry Humphries has been hospitalised in Sydney following complications from hip replacement surgery.
The entertainer, best known for his character Dame Edna Everage, had surgery on a broken hip at St Vincent’s Hospital in February.
It has been reported the 89-year-old was reaching for a book when he tripped on a rug and fell.
Nine’s entertainment editor Richard Wilkins said Humphries’ health “took a turn” this week.
“I have spoken to a few people close to Barry in the last couple of hours,” Wilkins said.
“One of his very close friends and colleagues said that he spoke to him a couple of days ago and that he was in good spirits and in good shape.
“However, it appears that in the last little while, Barry has taken a turn for the worst and is back in hospital.”
Wilkins said Humphries is keeping strong spirits.
“All we can do is cross our fingers,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins added the comedian “aims to be back on stage again this year”.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Ben Fordham on 2GB Humphries was a “trooper” and would fight hard.
“He doesn’t intend on giving up easily, in fact, he’s got dates pencilled in to go back on stage at the end of this year,” he told Fordham.
“Whether that’s realistic or not, it’s just important that you have a goal.
“And Barry certainly intends to keep on fighting.”
Ford said the fall had left the comedian in “absolute agony”.
“A lot of it has got to do with the complications of hip replacement surgery,” Ford said.
“He had a fall, just simple fall, tripping on a rug.
“And this has led to a sort of downward spiral.
“He was in absolute agony and I’m told things haven’t improved at all.”