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Australian cabaret star Hans falls from stage, injuring spine and shattering foot, on cruise ship near Turkey

Adelaide cabaret star Hans, aka Matt Gilbertson, fell 4 metres while performing on a cruise ship off the coast of Turkey. (Supplied: Watercooler Talent)

Australian cabaret star Hans has been badly injured after falling 4 metres while performing on a cruise ship off the coast of Turkey on Friday night.

Adelaide entertainer Matt Gilbertson, whose onstage persona Hans is a camp German accordion player, was on a Europe tour with Atlantis Events.

The performer posted on his social media pages that he fell 4 metres from the stage into an orchestra pit.

"It's resulted in a shattered foot and some slight spinal damage," he wrote.

"At this stage, the spine looks manageable but I will require extensive surgery on my right foot.

"Obviously not an ideal situation, but it could have been much, much worse."

The performer will be flown via medical evacuation from Turkey to London for surgery.

Cruise passengers applauded in encouragement as Hans was being taken from the ship. (Facebook: Hans)

His agency Watercooler Talent issued a statement saying that Hans "has regretfully had to withdraw" from his headline act at the Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill next month.

"Future shows are currently on stand-by until we have more of an idea of my recovery plan" Hans wrote on his page.

"I want to thank everyone in the audience on Thursday night for being so understanding when this occurred and to those who have already sent very kind messages of support."

Hans has been a popular face at Adelaide Fringe and rose to international fame after appearing in the America's Got Talent in 2018.

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