Irish comedian Brendan Grace, who played obnoxious priest Father Fintan Stack in sitcom Father Ted, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is in a hospital in Ireland.

The 68-year old performer was having treatment for pneumonia when the condition was discovered. A statement said: "It has 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 very much appreciated. His current July/August Irish Tour has been cancelled. Brendan is still in hospital and will be remaining there for ongoing treatment."

Grace has suffered from a number of health problems in recent years including a stroke and complications from diabetes. In an interview in the documentary Brendan Grace: Funny Man he said: "I got diabetes, it was a bit of a blow to me. Eileen [my wife] often said to me about the diabetes, that she wished it was her who got it because she would be better able to discipline herself into the right thing to do, whereas I'm inclined to throw caution to the wind. I've stopped playing the guitar because I had to use pressure on my fingers for the guitar and I don't use a guitar on stage now."

Father Ted Picture: C4.