Michael Palin, 83, makes heartbreaking announcement after major fall leaves him bedbound

Monty Python star Sir Michael Palin was forced to cancel his book tour after a major fall left him with three broken ribs and a fractured pelvis. 

The 83-year-old took to Instagram to share the news, and injected the announcement with his signature brand of humour.

The statement began with an apology from Michael for the cancellation of his book tour and "any other events over the next few months".

"My accident was quite unsensational, a slip in the family bathroom where I've walked for 58 years," he explained. "I fell heavily on my left side, resulting in three fractured ribs and a minor pelvic fracture."

"The recovery of bone fractures takes a long time, especially when you're 83," Michael continued. "It was a comedy fall with no audience there to see it. I shall stick to fish slapping dances from now on."

"Sincere apologies to everyone who has already put in a lot of work on the tour. I'd also like to say a huge thanks to the NHS for their incredible care."

Michael's newest project

The news comes just weeks after the release of his new book, Michael Palin in the Philippines, which explores his travels through the Asian country.

"In the course of Michael's epic journey he gets to see the Philippines archipelago in all its beauty, variety and many paradoxes," the book's synopsis reads.

"He meets some of the warmest and friendliest people he has ever encountered. And at the very end, he finds himself as close to the Marcos family as it's possible to get – in a meeting that he never thought possible."

The book's release was accompanied by a three-part documentary series of the same name, following his journey through the Philippines.

Travelling in his 80s

The iconic comedian opened up about travelling in his twilight years, revealing that it was important for him to keep busy. "The airports and plane journeys are the hardest thing. What's keeping me going? Part of it is to be seen on TV: I'm an entertainer, after all," he told the Daily Mail. "But as I get older, it's more important than ever to keep doing something."

"I must admit that time sometimes drags now. I drift a bit. I have to have some project on the go." Michael added that he hoped to be entertaining audiences for years to come.

"Well, David Attenborough's still going, and he's even older than me! I feel very lucky to be doing what I'm doing. I have a great family. I've met some fascinating people," he told the outlet. "I'm an optimist. You have to be open, you have to say, 'Tell me more!' rather than, 'That's enough, I don't want to hear that!'"

As for his health, the father of three enjoys Reformer Pilates and spends time stretching every day. "I eat the right food. I drink more carefully. I listen to advice, but I don't let it spoil my enjoyment of life," he said.