Huge comedian cancels tour dates as he reveals cancer diagnosis and prepares for surgery

A HUGE comedian has cancelled his tour dates after revealing he has to undergo surgery for cancer.

Milton Jones, 60, pulled the plug on a string of UK gigs scheduled for this summer after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Comedian Milton Jones performing. — Milton Jones has been diagnosed with prostate cancerCredit: Getty

Milton Jones announces tour cancellations due to prostate cancer diagnosis. — The comic has vowed to return to the stage as soon as he is fit and wellCredit: Instagram

The comic described his cancer as “treatable” but says he needs to focus on his recovery over the coming weeks.

Milton said in a statement: “I’m so sorry about this, but I need to announce the cancellation of several dates from my ongoing Ha!Milton live tour.

“The affected shows are in Leeds, Coventry, Basingstoke, Sterts, Launceston, Durham, Hexham, Ilkley, Wakefield, Lichfield, Tunbridge Wells, Portsmouth, and Lyme Regis which were all due to take place this summer.

“This difficult decision comes following a recent diagnosis of treatable prostate cancer. I’ll be undergoing surgery soon and will need time afterwards to fully recover.

“In addition, the Summer dates in Colchester, Bridlington, Stroud, and London will be rescheduled to the Autumn.”

He added that the Autumn leg of his tour remains unaffected.

Milton signed off by thanking fans for their support during his illness.

The Mock The Week star added: “Thanks for your support and respecting my privacy during this time.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. Trust me.

“Abnormal service will resume as soon as possible and I’m looking forward to being back out on the road again soon – though probably not on a bike! Milton x.”

Milton shared a list of his tour dates with his followers, with all of the venues for May, June and July crossed out alongside the word “cancelled”.

Milton Jones gives up some of his favourite one liners on Laughter Unlocked podcast

He has, however, already managed to reschedule four dates for October and November.

Fans inundated Milton with “get well” wishes following the release of his statement and told him to put his health first.

One supporter told him: “Health before humour Milton – wishing you a speedy recovery sir.”

Another added: “All the very best for your surgery and subsequent recovery x.”

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer affects a small, walnut shaped gland that sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra – the tube carrying pee outside the body.

It usually grows bigger as you get older.

The prostate’s main job is to help make semen – the fluid that carries sperm.

Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms – that’s why it’s important to know about your risk.

Possible symptoms include:

Difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder
A weak flow when you urinate
A feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
Dribbling urine after you finish urinating
Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night
A sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet

If you do notice changes in the way you urinate, this is more likely to be a sign of an enlarged prostate, which is very common and non-cancerous.

But it’s still a good idea to get it checked out.

In the UK, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Some factors may mean you’re more likely to get it.

This includes:

Getting older – it mainly affects men aged 50 or over
Having a family history of prostate cancer
Being Black

If you have any of these risk factors or if you have any symptoms, speak to your GP.

They can talk to you about your risk, and about the tests that are used to diagnose prostate cancer.

Source: Prostate Cancer UK

And a third wrote: “Dreadful news for you. Chin up old chap. Very glad you’re putting your health first.

“We can wait until you’re back in tip top condition. Health comes first over work every time. Wishing you successful treatment.”

Milton’s comedy career took off after he won the coveted Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1996.

Since then he has become known to millions of TV viewers as the king of the one-liners on BBC Two’s Mock The Week.

Just three days ago, Milton shared a video to Instagram that was filmed backstage during his Ha!Milton tour.

In the clip, he made a gag about what he brings with him on the road – a “lucky” teddy and an “unlucky” teddy – adding that the unlucky teddy was missing its head.