Veteran actor Sir John Hurt has been diagnosed with cancer but will keep working and says he is 'more than optimistic' about his future.

The star, 75, has enjoyed a successful career with notable roles including Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant, the title role in The Elephant Man and a recurring role in the Harry Potter films.

In a statement , he said: 'I have always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement.

Veteran actor Sir John Hurt confirms that he has been diagnosed with the early stages of pancreatic cancer

'I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer. I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team.

'I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell (one of life's small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4.'

About 8,800 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year. Lack of symptoms early on means it is often caught late and the five-year survival rate stands at 3 per cent.

The star was awarded a knighthood for services to drama in 2014.

He has twice been Oscar-nominated, for The 1980s The Elephant Man and Midnight Express.

The actor will next be seen starring opposite Samantha Morton in the new Sky Atlantic drama The Last Panthers, a drama that follows a diamond heist across Europe.

Sir John, who married fourth wife Anwen Rees-Myers, 59, in 2005, has two sons - Sasha, 25, and Nick, 22.

The 75-year-old star has enjoyed a notable roles, including Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant

The prolific actor's career has spanned six decades and he has more than 200 on-screen credits, working alongside greats such as Orson Welles, Sir Laurence Olivier and Richard Burton.

Sir John also made a surprise appearance as an incarnation of Doctor Who for its 50th anniversary shows in 2013.

On the big screen, he played Mr Ollivander, a wand merchant, in several Harry Potter films.

Other recent movies include V for Vendetta , Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull , Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Hercules. He also famously met his end in Ridley Scott's 1979 Alien.

Sir John received an Oscar nomination for his role as Joseph Merrick in the 1980 film The Elephant Man

The Hollywood actor also appeared in the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who as a reincarnation of the Time Lord

PANCREATIC CANCER IS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE Each year around 8,800 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK. Around half of all new cases are in people who are aged 75 and over. Those in the early stages do not normally suffer from any symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. The first symptoms sufferers usually experience are back pain, unexpected weight lose and jaundice. If the tumour is large, treating the cancer will be more difficult. The three main treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. According to Cancer Research pancreatic cancer has a 'very poor outlook' overall. Of all adults with pancreatic cancer, about 19 per cent live for at least one year after they are diagnosed. Only four per cent live for at least five years. And only three per cent lives for at least 10 years. Advertisement

He played Stephen Ward - a key figure in the Profumo affair - in Scandal and a reprisal of his role as Crisp for An Englishman In New York in 2009, 34 years after his original portrayal of the flamboyant figure.

Sir John's distinctive voice has been used several times as narrator, and accompanied a chilling Aids awareness advertising campaign in the 1980s.

Sir John, who was once mentioned in the same breath as Oliver Reed and Richard Harris, was said to have claimed to drink seven bottles of wine a day, but he later reduced this estimate to three.

He was prompted to give up alcohol due to his deteriorating heath.

'I could not carry on drinking like I did or I would have died,' he told the Daily Express.

'I have to watch what I drink, and what I eat, to keep fit.'

He was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and is the son of an an amateur actress and a clergyman.

After going to art college, Sir John studied at Rada (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) when he landed a scholarship.

As well as two Oscar-nominations, he has also received four Bafta awards and was recognised with an Outstanding British Contribution to cinema award in 2012.

Alex Ford, of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of John Hurt’s recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer – but eternally grateful for his openness in talking about the disease and his treatment.