Vegas laid up with joints condition

Johnny Vegas was forced to cancel an appearance in Manchester last night following an attack of gout.

The 18-stone comic had been due to attend the MEN theatre awards, but was confined to his bed instead.

However, despite newspaper reports, the 34-year-old is now said to be ‘absolutely fine’.

His assistant told Chortle: ‘He’s just on his way to London to do some filming - so he's not going to be laid up in bed over Christmas, off the booze as the papers stated.

‘He's had it before, and unfortunately once in a while it flares up for a couple of days.’

Gout is painful condition which affects the joints, caused when the liver produces more uric acid than the body can excrete Risk factors include heavy drinking and a rich diet.

Little Britain Live won the comedy category at the awards Vegas was forced to miss.

Published: 7 Dec 2005