Patrick Murray, star of Only Fools and Horses, has revealed that his illness has returned.
The 66-year-old actor had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer before being given the all-clear last year.
The TV performer, well known for his role as Mickey Pearce in the iconic sitcom, issued a statement online on Monday (April 24).
He stated that he is undergoing therapy and is feeling “positive.”
‘Despite all the wonderful efforts by the medical and nursing teams at Medway, Guys and Kings College hospitals, the lung cancer has returned,’ he wrote.
‘I thought I had a painful groin strain a couple of months ago, unfortunately that turned out to be the cancer getting into my pelvis and leg bones. It has also entered my lymphatic system.
He continued: ‘What about the good news? I had radiology treatment last week and my oncologist is fairly confident this will stop the leg pain, and I will be up and about again.
‘Another positive is my consultant. He is confident that the chemo will keep things in check for months and even years.
‘His optimism comes not from kindness of which I know he has in spades, but advances in cancer medicine. The genetic molecular tests are super precise, and the choice of meds can be made with much more confidence.
‘I am feeling positive with my good wife’s awesome support.’
The actor received an outpouring of support from friends fans, as one person tweeted: ‘Keep fighting and best wishes’.
Another wrote: ‘Sorry to hear this Pat. Sending all my love to you and the family’.
‘Thanks for sharing your story, keep positive and keep going. You’ve got this I am sure. All the best,’ added one supporter.
Patrick was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2021 and underwent surgery to remove the malignancy in October of that year.
In January 2022, he made the diagnosis public, revealing that physicians had discovered a cancerous tumour.
Five months later, in May, he assured supporters that he was ‘cured’ and that the malignancy in his liver was diminishing.
However, in a January update, the actor disclosed that a second malignancy had been discovered, but he chose to keep it ‘under his hat.’
He was, however, discharged from the hospital and thanked the physicians for their care.
Patrick appeared in 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses as Mickey.
Patrick’s character was notorious for minor criminality and peddling black market products in the programme, which aired on BBC One for 22 years until 2003.
After the renowned series finished, he went on to feature in films including The Firm and Curse of the Pink Panther.
He then abandoned performing and worked as a taxi driver in Kent before being forced to retire owing to bad health.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
