Father Ted star Brendan Grace reveals he has lung cancer

Father Ted star Brendan Grace is suffering from lung cancer.

The 68-year-old actor and comedian, who played Father Fintan Stack in the classic comedy, received the diagnosis while being treated for pneumonia, his representatives confirmed.

The Irish star has been forced to cancel his summer tour as a result.

“Brendan Grace has been in hospital for the last four weeks receiving treatment for pneumonia,” his spokesperson told the Irish Daily Mirror.

“It has now transpired that he is also suffering from cancer for which he is receiving ongoing care and treatment.

“His family are a great support to him at this difficult time and respect for their privacy would be much appreciated. His current July / August Irish tour has been cancelled.”

They added: “Brendan is still in hospital and will be remaining there for ongoing treatment. He is hospitalised in Ireland.”

Grace is usually based in the United States with wife Eileen, but regularly tours Ireland.

The star began his career as a musician with The Gingermen and is best known in his home nation for his comedy schoolboy character Bottler. He starred in the 1995 film Moondance alongside singer Marianne Faithfull.

He appeared as the rude Father Stack in the ninth episode of Father Ted’s second series in 1996.

Speaking last year in the RTE documentary Brendan Grace: Funny Man, the comic revealed that he had experienced some major health struggles in recent years, including a stroke and gangrene caused by diabetes, which he described as "a bit of a blow."

Grace and his wife have four children, who are also based in the US, and three grandchildren.