The family of Barry Humphries have spoken out after it was announced the Dame Edna Everage star had been taken to hospital with his family rushing to be by his side.
News of Barry's ill health was reported earlier today as it was said Barry was rushed to hospital in a 'serious condition' but was being 'kept comfortable' and is 'surrounded by family'.
Barry's family have now released a statement, which was read out on Australia's 10 News First.
The statement read: "Barry Humphries is currently in hospital receiving treatment for health issues.
"Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes he's received but would like more and more."
It continued: "He would also like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at St Vincent's Hospital."
Meanwhile, Barry's wife Lizzie Spender told Sunday Morning Herald of the comedian's condition: "He's fine."
It comes after reports that Barry, who also played Sir Les Patterson, had been taken into hospital and was in a 'serious' condition.
Entertainment Peter Ford told Australia's Channel Seven's Sunrise programme of the 89-year-old comedian's health battle.
He tweeted a clip from the show and wrote: "Statement to media due to be released shortly. At this moment Barry is a serious condition but being kept comfortable. He's surrounded by family."
Ford added on Sunrise: "Barry won’t give up easily. Barry has something marked on his calendar and that is to say he'll be back on stage before the end of the year.
"He's been travelling around the UK last year doing a one man show, largely sitting in a chair and talking about the great characters he's created through the years.
"Whether that's a realistic goal for Barry, I don't know, but either way it's not over until it's over but I am told Barry's health has worsened in the last week."
Ford also said things "are tough" for the comedian but added: "I reckon Barry has a fighting spirit and he's not going to give up easily."
As news of Barry's health battle spread, fans shared well wishes on social media as fans grew concerned for the star's health.
One tweeted: "Hope you are ok Barry Humphries. Get well soon."
"Sending much love to Barry Humphries," another added.
A third penned: "Wishing our greatest satirist all the best. Remember being taken as a kid to see this show at the Opera Theatre (now Her Majesty's). Can still hear the laughter and see the flying gladioli! #BarryHumphries".
Last week, Andrew Neil revealed he had visited the satirist in hospital.
Andrew, 73, tweeted on Saturday: "Visited legendary Barry Humphries in Sydney hospital during my Oz trip. As always he had me in stitches even though he’s been undergoing various treatments for months in hospital. I am in awe of his courage. And, of course, his humour, which is irrepressible, even in adversity."
Barry said last month he was "in agony" after breaking his hip.
The comedian told the Sydney Morning Herald: "It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are. I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went."
