Michael Flatley is diagnosed with an ‘aggressive’ form of cancer

Michael Flatley has revealed he has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of cancer in a statement shared to his social media accounts tonight.

According to the press release, the Riverdance star, 64, has had surgery and is currently being cared for by a team of doctors at the hospital.

The statement shared on Flatley’s Instagram page reads: “Dear friends, we have something personal to share, Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

“He underwent surgery and is being cared for by an excellent team of doctors. No further comments will be made at this time. We only ask for your prayers and good wishes. Thank you. Team Lord.’

Statement: Michael Flatley has revealed he has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive’ form of cancer in a statement shared to his social media accounts tonight

Social media release: According to the publication, the Riverdance star, 64, has had surgery and is currently being cared for by a team of doctors at the hospital

Alongside the message, the team shared a black and white image of Michael looking out to sea while standing on a beach.

The Lord Of The Dance star is believed to have been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer before Christmas.

It is understood that Michael is currently married to his wife Niamh and son Michael Jnr. recovered from the operation.

It is not known if the diagnosis is linked to his previous battle with skin cancer.

Michael was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2003. He confirmed the news eight years ago before speaking out in 2021.

Sad news: The Lord Of The Dance star revealed he had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer before Christmas (pictured while performing Lord Of The Dance in 2015).

He told the Irish Independent at the time: “It was pure coincidence that it was noticed. I had never realized it… it can be a scary place.’

Michael’s melanoma was discovered by an MTV viewer who noticed the symptoms of his condition during a television appearance.

Of the experience, he said, “So many people around me have had cancer and so many people I know have died from it.

Family life: Michael pictured with his wife Niamh at Pride Of Britain in 2015

“I was diagnosed with skin cancer myself and it was a very scary time. I feel for everyone who lies on this bed and faces the uncertainty of the future. It can be a scary place.

“I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. That was around 2003 and it was pure coincidence that it was noticed.’

He continued, “We were in Las Vegas for the fifth anniversary of Lord of the Dance and I did an interview with MTV.

Treatment: Michael was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2003. He confirmed the news eight years ago before speaking out in 2021

“Someone watched the interview and pointed it out to my personal assistant and said, ‘Have you ever noticed the brown spot on the side of Michael’s face?’ I had never noticed.

“They advised me to go and have a look at it. I did and the doctor took a sample from him there and then. I flew to Barbados the next day and he called me and asked me to visit him.

‘I said I’m going to the airport and would he mind if I call him when I get back? He said, “No, you must come in immediately.”

“That was a bit scary. I canceled the flight and went straight to him. He said if I had let it go a few more weeks there was probably nothing he could have done for me.

Support: Following the news, fans rushed to send messages of support to the American-Irish dancer, with one person writing that they were “sending prayers”

Following the news, fans rushed to send messages of support to the American-Irish dancer, with one person writing that they were “sending prayers”.

A second said: “I’m so sorry to read this message. Michael you are a fighter you can beat this by sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family.

Another person said: “Keep fighting Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family xx. Move your feet X.”

A third said: “Get well soon. Everything will be fine!’

Another person who had battled cancer himself said: “As a cancer survivor, all I can say is trust your medical team and stay positive. Thanks to all the research, so many new drugs are now available.”

Another wrote: “So sorry to hear the news, I’m a huge fan and I hope you recover.”

Charity work: Michael has been very active on his Instagram page over the past few days, most recently a day ago following a trip to the new premises of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland

Another said: “So sorry to hear that Michael. You have fought so many tough battles in your life and you will too. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers. Greetings to you and your family at this difficult time. Be strong, Michael.’

Michael has been very active on his Instagram page over the past few days, most recently a day ago following a trip to the new premises of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland

Michael is a well-known charity activist. The Chicago-born dancer has hosted special Christmas parties for at-risk children at his North Cork home.

In 2003 he received a special award from Prince Rainier of Monaco for his support of various charities, including many dedicated to cancer research.

Dear friends: Michael’s team also shared the news on his Instagram Stories

The choreographer became famous in the Irish dance production Riverdance, which was first performed in 1994 as a seven-minute break at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Following the success of Riverdance at Eurovision, it was expanded into a full-length show and opened at Dublin’s Point Theater in 1995.

Michael, who was born into a working-class Irish-American family in Chicago, followed with his own stage show Lord Of The Dance.

He has also created, produced and directed other productions including Feet Of Flames and Celtic Tiger.

Michael has also expanded into film, directing and starring in the 2018 spy thriller Blackbird.

In the film, which also stars Eric Roberts, Patrick Bergin and Ian Beattie, Michael plays ex-MI6 agent Victor Blackley, who is drawn back into the world of espionage he left behind.

Film: Michael has also committed to film, which he directed in 2018 and starred in the spy thriller Blackbird

The film was criticized for its long-awaited release, but Michael has since revealed that a sequel is already in the works.

After seeing his film in theaters he said: “It feels fantastic, I’m thrilled. If I told you the amount of people who told me it’s impossible, I lost count.

“You can not do it. It is impossible. But somehow, contrary to expectations, we made it and I’m glad we did it.

“I’m happy and quite proud that we have a lot of actors in it who never had a chance and some young producers, which is good.”

Michael retired due to injury after performing in Las Vegas on St. Patrick’s Day in March 2017.

Last year Michael also embarked on a Lord Of The Dance tour to raise money for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Flashback: Following the success of Riverdance at Eurovision, it expanded into a full-length show and opened at Dublin’s Point Theater in 1995

Michael previously spoke about how his 2003 cancer diagnosis changed his outlook on life, particularly his wealth and material possessions.

He said, “When I was able to do anything, that intensified. And the value of friends, the value of loved ones — all of a sudden, material things in the past disappeared.”

Flatley previously told Russell Davies on BBC Radio 2: “My art and the people I spend time with are the things I love most right now.

“Cancer has certainly given me tremendous focus.”