Virus hits Connolly in Australia

Billy Connolly has been forced to abandon his stand-up show in Sydney because of ill health.

He told the Opera House audience he was ‘feeling extremely ill’ and apologised for having to leave the stage early.

He was apparently suffering from a virus, but is expected to continue his Australian tour immediately.

Audience members expressed their support for the 68-year-old comic on social media sites.

Annette Lowe posted: ‘Really hope you make a quick recovery and thank you for a great show, you are a true champion for coming on stage feeling the way you did. You never let us down yr performance was still fantastic’

And Patricia Bell said: ‘We loved your show tonight your a true trouper, battling on with that rotten virus… you are brilliant.’

Published: 9 Mar 2011