Sir Ian McKellen, 85, has revealed he is too scared to leave his house after falling off stage at a West End show – but thankfully he was ‘saved’ by his fat suit.

The actor, 85, was playing John Falstaff in the production at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his footing in a fight scene and plunged from the stage into the audience.

In his first interview since the fall in June, the Ian told Saga Magazine that he chipped his vertebrae and fractured his wrist when he plummeted off stage – but revealed his fat suit prevented him from suffering even more serious injures.

The Lord of The Rings star said he has been left with ‘agonising’ pain which puts him off going outside, and even leaves him questioning whether he is ‘too old to act’.

Ian, who now wears a neck brace and wrist support, said: ‘My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet mended.

‘I don’t go out because I get nervous in case someone bangs into me, and I’ve got agonising pains in my shoulders to do with my whole frame having been jolted.

Sir Ian McKellen , 85, has revealed he is too scared to leave his house after falling off stage at a West End show – but thankfully he was ‘saved’ by his fat suit (pictured on stage)

In his first interview since the fall in June, the Ian told Saga Magazine that he chipped his vertebrae and fractured his wrist when he plummeted off stage – but revealed his fat suit prevented him from suffering even more serious injures

‘But I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff and that saved my ribs and other joints. So I’ve had a lucky escape really.’

He added: ‘I’ve relived that fall I don’t know how many times. It was horrible.

Speaking on battling fears that he’s too old to continue acting, Ian said: ‘I thought it was the end of something. It was very upsetting. The end didn’t mean my death. It was my participation in the play.

‘I have to keep assuring myself that I’m not too old to act and it was just a bloody accident. I didn’t lose consciousness, I hadn’t been dizzy, but I’ve not been able to go back and they still played without me.’

Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and suffered injuries to his wrist and neck which meant he could no longer complete the stint of shows.

Six weeks after the horror fall, the acting legend was still recovering from his injuries as he arrived at the Theatre Royal wearing a neck brace and wrist support.

Ian put on a brave face as he turned up to surprise the cast of Player Kings in Newcastle after he was forced to withdraw from the show.

Speaking on battling fears that he’s too old to continue acting, Ian said: ‘I thought it was the end of something. It was very upsetting. The end didn’t mean my death. It was my participation in the play.’

Ian, who now wears a neck brace and wrist support, said: ‘My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet mended.’

The actor took to Instagram earlier in the day to announce he would be part of the audience at the play in Newcastle.

Sharing a professional photo with his freshly cut hair, Sir Ian wrote: ‘On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me – I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for 9 months.

‘I will be in the audience for the matinee in Newcastle.’

Earlier this month, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.

He wrote: ‘Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend,’ he wrote. ‘My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.’

‘Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me,’ Ian continued on X.

‘Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience,’ he added.

Sir Ian announced that he was having ‘physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home’ after three nights in hospital.

The actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage, and was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help.

Last week Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans

In his statement, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.

‘Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast.

‘The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’

Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, ended its run at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The play moved to the Bristol Hippodrome before being staged in Birmingham , Norwich and Newcastle.