Stephen Colbert has undergone surgery (Picture: Jae C. Hong/Invision/AP)
Stephen Colbert has suffered a ruptured appendix.
The 59-year-old comedian was forced to cancel scheduled episodes of his late-night TV show after he went under the knife.
Stephen has hosted The Late Show since 2015.
Confirming the news on his show’s Instagram this week, Stephen thanked his doctors, wife and kids.
He wrote: ‘Sorry to say that I have to cancel our shows this week. I’m sure you’re thinking, “Turkey overdose, Steve? Gravy boat capsize?”
‘Actually, I’m recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix.’
Stephen added: ‘I’m grateful to my doctors for their care and to Evie and the kids for putting up with me. Going forward, all emails to my appendix will be handled by my pancreas [sic].’
According to the NHS, a burst appendix can lead to ‘life-threatening complications’.
Its website advises: ‘Call 999 to ask for an ambulance if you have pain that suddenly gets worse and spreads across your abdomen, or if your pain temporarily improves before getting worse again.
‘If your pain eases for a while but then gets worse, your appendix may have burst, which can lead to life-threatening complications.’
Confirming the news on his show’s Instagram this week, Stephen thanked his doctors, wife and kids (Picture: CBS)
Stephen was set to interview a host of big-name guests over the coming week, including the likes of Jennifer Garner, Baz Luhrmann, Sir Patrick Stewart, Barbra Streisand, and Kelsey Grammer.
Earlier this year, the TV star was forced to cancel a number of episodes after testing positive for COVID-19.
He took to social media at the time to announce the news and to joke about a planned interview with Ozark stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney.
Stephen quipped at the time: ‘Yep! I tested positive for COVID, but basically I’m feeling fine — grateful to be vaxxed and boosted.
Stephen has hosted The Late Show since 2015 (Picture: Best Possible Screengrab/CBS)
‘Thank you for the well wishes. This just proves that I will do anything to avoid interviewing Jason Bateman.’
Prior to that, Stephen claimed that Jason was ‘a little hostile as a guest’.
The actor subsequently explained why he was ‘less than chatty’ during an appearance on the late-night show.
Jason said on the Smartless podcast: ‘I just came from dinner and things built up a little bit, and if I could just let this one bubble out, things would really work out for me. And so I release the valve a little bit. Out comes … more than air.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Amy Dowden declares ‘I don’t need your pity’ as she removes wig for sensational shoot
MORE : Olivia Colman smoulders in head-to-toe latex for terrifying new role
A statement on was issued on Monday.