Comic, 83, broke ribs and fractured pelvis

Sir Michael Palin has cancelled his upcoming book tour after he fractured his ribs in a fall.

The 83-year-old joked that the accident, in the bathroom at his home, was ‘a comedy fall with no audience there to see it’ – and also left him with a minor pelvic fracture.

He had been due to make 13 UK appearances, starting in Norwich tomorrow, to launch his new travel book In The Philippines, which promoters will now reschedule. 

In a statement posted to Instagram, the Monty Python star wrote: ‘My accident was quite unsensational, a slip in the family bathroom where I've walked for 58 years.

‘I fell heavily on my left side resulting in three fractured ribs and a minor pelvic fracture. The recovery of bone fractures takes a long time especially when you're 83.

‘It was a comedy fall with no audience there to see it. I shall stick to fish slapping dances from now on.

‘Sincere apologies to everyone who has already put in a lot of work on the tour. I'd also like to say a huge thanks to the NHS for their incredible care'

A statement on Sir Michael’s website said ticket holders will be contacted about rescheduled dates ‘as soon as they are available’.

Published: 14 Oct 2026