Only Fools And Horses star Patrick Murray reveals cancer has returned

Only Fools And Horses star Patrick Murray has revealed his lung cancer has returned and spread – despite previous hopes he had been cured.

Murray, 66, who played Mickey Pearce in the classic sitcom, first announced his diagnosis in January 2022.

But in May last year, the actor expressed hope that an operation to remove a cancerous tumour, alongside chemotherapy, appeared to have been a success.

Another tumour was also found in his liver, unconnected to his lung cancer, and was also treated.

On Monday, Murray told his Twitter followers that “despite all the wonderful efforts” of hospital staff, his “lung cancer has returned”.

The actor, who is also known for the 1970s’ films Scum and Quadrophenia, added: “I thought I had a painful groin strain a couple of months ago, unfortunately that turned out to be the cancer getting into my pelvis and leg bones.

“It has also entered my lymphatic system.”

The comedy star said he was having a combination of radiology treatment and chemotherapy – and that doctors were hopeful for his future thanks to recent advances in cancer medicine.

Murray added that his consultant was “confident that the chemo will keep things in check for months and even years… I am feeling positive with my good (wife’s) awesome support”.

His co-star John Challis, who played unscrupulous second-hand car dealer Boycie in the popular series, died from cancer aged 79 in September 2021.