Father Ted actor Brendan Grace is seriously ill in hospital after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
The actor, who played jungle-music loving pries Father Fintan Stack in the hit comedy series, was diagnosed with cancer during treatment for pneumonia.
A spokesperson said: "Brendan Grace has been in hospital for the last four weeks receiving treatment for pneumonia.
"It has now transpired that he is also suffering from cancer for which he is receiving ongoing care and treatment.
"His family are a great support to him at this difficult time."
He has been forced to cancel his latest round of shows.
He was sent floods of messages of support online by fans.
One person wrote: "This guy introduced me to jungle music, to which I was dancing like a mad b*****d in a field in Glastonbury last Sunday morning."
Last year Brendan suffered a stroke.
He said: "I had a stroke and I also had an accident that screwed up my gait."
