Ken vows to return to stage

Ken Dodd has promised to be back on stage next month after undergoing hernia surgery.

The 80-year-old comic was taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital on Monday morning for an unspecified procedure, sparking fears for his health.

But today his agent revealed that the operation had been for a hernia, and that it had gone well.

He said Dodd was ‘fine’ adding: ‘He's had to postpone a couple of concerts but he'll be back on stage next month.’

The hospital said they expected Dodd to be out within a couple of days.

Dodd cancelled two shows this week, in St Helens and Birkenhead, which will now be rescheduled. He had no other gigs planned n January. The St Helens gig will now take place on February 12.

He went into hospital just hours after a typical marathon performance at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall, after which his friend Peter Grant said: ‘He was brilliant, absolutely the best form I've seen him in for a couple of years, although he was coughing a little bit. He did more stand-up in that show than ever and must have been on stage for at least three hours.’

BBC Two dedicated a night of programmes to the Knotty Ash star on Christmas Eve.

Published: 1 Jan 2008