Harry Potter Star Robbie Coltrane Withdraws From London Comic Con Due To ‘Bad Health’

Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane, who starred as the most loving character Hagrid in the franchise, has been forced to pull out of London’s Comic-Con next month due to ‘continuing ill health’. Coltrane was scheduled to meet Potterheads at the event, held at Olympia London but has now cancelled his appearance as he is not well.

The event organisers emailed fans who had pre-paid for autographs and photos with the Cracker actor to share a statement from his agent. The statement read, “It is with deep regret that Robbie Coltrane has to withdraw from the July Comic Con due to his continuing ill health.” The statement continues, “He is very sorry to disappoint his fans and supporters and hopes very much to appear at another Showmasters event when his health permits.”

The July 9 convention is excepted to welcome 100,000 movie fans with celebrity guests including David Harbour (Stranger Things) Andy Serkins (Lord Of The Rings) and Christopher Lloyd (Back To the Future) in attendance. The organisers went on to say in the statement, “Obviously, we are incredibly disappointed that Robbie is not able to attend and so sad to hear of his ill health. Both ourselves and Robbie we’re looking forward to him being at the show and we wish him the best.”

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The statement concluded while noting, “We will work to see if we can get Robbie to a future event, but in the meantime, vouchers will automatically be issued to any ticket-holders for Robbie.” For unversed, the actor was spotted using a wheelchair in 2019 as he awaited for surgery on his knee amid his ongoing battle with osteoarthritis, after doctors told him to lose weight or face a life of immobility.

Prior to his knee operation, a source told The Sun, “Robbie has been in constant pain for years now, with his knee constantly deteriorating. It’s left him unable to walk without any assistance and he’s been given a wheelchair while he waits to have a special surgical procedure in America to repair his joint.” Coltrane added, “It’s hugely frustrating for him but he’s really hoping to be back on his feet after getting the operation.” Robbie has been in daily agony with osteoarthritis, a condition that makes the joints become painful and stiff. The actor also revealed doctors told him to lose seven stones or risk facing life as a ‘cripple’.