Comedian Milton Jones diagnosed with prostate cancer and forced to cancel tour dates

The BBC Mock the Week star has been inundated with support following his health update, as Scots Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy leads the well wishes.

Comedian Milton Jones has announced he has been forced to cancel a raft of tour dates after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. The funnyman took to Instagram on Monday to update fans as he confirmed his health battle is “treatable”.

Apologising to his 71,000 followers, Milton, 60, promised that “abnormal service will resume as soon as possible” and revealed he will have an operation over the next few weeks.

The BBC Mock The Week star said: "I'm so sorry about this, but I need to announce the cancellation of several dates from my ongoing Ha!Milton Tour. Ticket holders for the cancelled shows will be contacted directly by the venue box office.."

He went on in a statement: "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.

"All dates currently scheduled for the Autumn leg of the tour remain unaffected.

"Ticket holders for the cancelled shows will be contacted directly by the venue box office.

"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, who was set to play 70 venues in the tour this summer, has appeared on a raft of the biggest shows on UK TV including Mock the Week and Live At The Apollo and is known for his hilarious, dead-pan take on life.

The comic also wrote the surreal, semi-biographical novel Where Do Comedians Go When They Die?: Journeys of a Stand-Up in 2009.

Fans and famous faces flocked to Instagram to send well wishes, with Scots Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy leading the sentiments.

The cyclist, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2023, said: "Really sorry to hear it mate, best of luck." Comedian Al Murray said: "All the best Milton for a speedy recovery."

One fan said: "All good fishes coming your way from me!" One added: "Health before humour Milton. wishing you a speedy recovery sir."

One said: "Thinking of you at this time, Milton." And one added: "Best of luck Milton. Get yourself well and you’ll be back on the road soon enough."