Red Dwarf

Star cancelled all appearances earlier this year after being hit by a ‘health situation’

Red Dwarf legend Chris Barrie has given worried fans an update after being struck with a ‘health situation’ earlier this year. The 65-year-old played Arnold J. Rimmer on the popular science fiction sitcom which has been a smash hit on the BBC and has a huge fanbase.

A post earlier this year said he had cancelled all forthcoming public appearances due to an ongoing “medical situation”. He had been due to appear at London Comic Con over the weekend alongside Red Dwarf co-stars Robert Llewellyn, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, and Hattie Hayridge.

Now he has given an update in a new post on his website. He said: “For those interested, here is an update on my health situation. Since being discharged from hospital in early July I have been feeling better and stronger with each passing day. I am not on any medication and am now a month into a 3-4 month healing process and there may be more diagnostic tests towards the end of that period.

“Apologies for being utterly non specific but I would rather keep it that way for now. So, in brief, feeling much more myself, enjoying being at home and busying myself with light tasks, although this is about to be stepped up to medium tasks….

“With regard to working, it is still too early to say. If my rate of recovery remains the same as over the last month, then I could be looking at working the odd day in October, but I will not be in a position to confirm this until early September. As usual I will update on this page as and when anything is confirmed. In the meantime good ‘ol Scarborough remains on the schedule as I really hope to be back working by November.”

The popular science fiction sitcom aired on the BBC from 1988 to 1999 and on Dave from 2009 to 2020. The show, starring Craig Charles as Dave Lister, the last living human, gained a cult following over time.

Barrie is also known for his role as Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire. Fans greeted the better news and Paul said: “When I heard Chris was ill, like a lot of people, my stomach churned. It’s massively good news he is recovering and I hope he’s back on his feet soon. I know we all say this because of Ace Rimmer but I’m talking about Chris Barrie. What A Guy!”

Angela said: ”Thanks for sharing. Bless him. I hope he stays in “stasis” relaxing for a full recovers. Ruth said: “That’s great news. I hope he still gets to film RD as planned and that he’s well and happy. Great that he’s not having to be on any meds.”

Mart D. added: “Get well soon Chris. Awful being laid up in dock, but Scarborough is even worse.”

A Coronation Street star was due to appear at London Film and Comic-Con this weekend, but pulled out due to a family emergency

Coronation Street star Craig Charles concerned fans after he pulled out of his scheduled appearance at London Film and Comic-Con this weekend. The 60-year-old actor is best known for playing Lloyd Mullaney for a decade on the long-running soap, but was due to appear at the event for his Red Dwarf character, Dave Lister.

The star was due to appear alongside Red Dwarf co-stars Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn and Hattie Hayridge. Taking to their Facebook page, London Film and Comic-Con wrote: “We contacted Craig at 9am to be told that due to a family emergency, he would not be in until 11am. At 11.30am we spent 20 minutes knocking on his hotel room door where there was no answer.

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“His Red Dwarf colleagues were able to contact him at 12.30, where he confirmed he was ill and unable to attend. These are the facts.

“The Group shot will go ahead with Danny, Robert and Hattie, and ticket holders will receive an automatic £60 refund to allow for the change of lineup. If anybody does not want the group shot, any unused tickets will automatically be refunded after the show.”

Not long after the post was shared, Craig took to his X/Twitter to apologise to fans, writing: “I’d just like to say sorry to showmasters and the fans at comicon. I made it to the hotel but woke up at 3 this morning with stomach pains.

“I then proceeded to be violently ill for hours. Not a pretty sight. I tried to see if it would wear off but at 10 am I called it off and came back to Manchester.

“I’m feeling slightly better now, and I’m drinking lots of water and electrolytes. Again sorry for the cancellation and I look forward to next time.”

Fans rushed to the comment section to share their support, with one fan posting: “Hope you feel better.

“You don’t have anything to apologise for trust me someone that just got food poisoning two days ago I know exactly what you mean by coming down with something very quickly.”

Another concerned fans posted: “Take care of yourself. I’ve been watching you as Dave Lister since I was a child, Red Dwarf was and is still my favorite show.

“Lister inspired my love for curry and good tunes. It may be sad, but you were the closest thing I had to a father figure. Love from America, my guy.”

One commented: “As long as you’re on the mend that’s the main thing.” Red Dwarf is a sci-fi comedy that aired between 1988 and 1999, which follows technician Dave Lister, who awakens after being suspended animation for three million years to find that he is the last living human and that he’s alone on the mining spacecraft.

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