Sir Ian McKellen will not re-appear in Player Kings in the West End as 85-year-old star recovers from stage fall

Sir Ian McKellen will not appear when the run of Player Kings resumes in the West End on Thursday night after his fall from the stage.

A post on social media confirmed his understudy David Semark will go on instead.

A statement said: "David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London while Sir Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday (1)8 June.

"We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday July 3, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle."