Derbyshire actor John Hurt announces he is in the early stages of pancreatic cancer

Sir John Hurt is in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, the veteran British actor has announced.

The 75-year-old released an upbeat statement about his illness, in which he vowed to continue working.

The veteran star of stage and screen is continuing a glittering career, with notable roles including Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant, the title role in The Elephant Man and a recurring role in the Harry Potter films.

Hurt, who is known for his distinctive voice, has also starred in hit movies V for Vendetta (2005), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), and Hercules (2014).

Yesterday he tweeted a picture of himself with Bradley Cooper at a production of The Elephant Man at the Haymarket theatre, in which Cooper reprises one of John Hurt's most celebrated roles: