MUSICALS legend Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed his eldest son is critically ill in hospital.
The 74-year-old composer and TV star revealed Nicholas, 43, has been battling gastric cancer for the past 18 months.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said he was ‘absolutely devastated’
The renowned composer with sons Nick (left) and Andrew
Andrew explained his family’s heartbreaking news as he explained why he would not be at the Broadway launch of his musical Bad Cinderella.
In a statement shared in the Hollywood Reporter, he wrote: “I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is critically ill.
“As my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised.”
He added: “We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner. He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family.”
Andrew explained that his son’s illness was the reason he wasn’t able to attend the launch of Bad Cinderella on Thursday and why he was not at recent previews.
The star said: “I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on Opening Night.”
Nicholas, whose mother is Andrew’s first wife Sarah Hugill, is a renowned composer like his dad.
He co-produced the original cast album for Cinderella in 2021, for which he earned a Grammy nomination for best musical theatre album.
Andrew is the theatre owner and composer behind hits including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita.
He was also a major BBC star for a time as a judge on shows including Any Dream Will Do, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and I’d Do Anything!
The shows launched the careers of several musical theatre stars, including Jodie Prenger.
