Peep Show star Matt King left unable to walk after suffering ‘rare stroke’

EntertainmentHealth & Fitness
30 Apr 2026 • 11:55 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

Peep Show star Matt King has revealed he suffered a "rare stroke" that initially left him paralysed, but he is now able to walk again.

The 58-year-old actor and comedian, best known for his role as drug dealer Super Hans in the Channel 4 sitcom, confirmed he was rushed to hospital on Sunday after experiencing a spinal cord stroke.

King shared that while he was initially unable to move, he has since regained his ability to walk, expressing gratitude to his fans for their "love and kindness".

In a post shared on Instagram on Thursday, which featured a photograph of the actor in a hospital bed, he said: “It’s true. I had a rare stroke of the spinal cord on Sunday.

“I was initially paralysed but was rushed to The Royal Sussex and the staff have been amazing.

“Can walk again, a bit. My legs were jelly, man.

“It didn’t feel f****** brilliant. Thank you for all the love and kindness.”

According to the Brain and Spine foundation, a spinal stroke is a disruption in the blood supply to the spinal cord which can cause injury or damage to tissues and block messages (nerve impulses) travelling along the spinal cord.

It is a rare condition which the foundation says accounts for 1.25 per cent of all strokes.

King starred in Peep Show which aired between 2003 and 2015, alongside David Mitchell, Robert Webb, and Olivia Colman. It became Channel 4’s longest-running comedy series and a cult TV show.

Over the years, the actor has also performed as Super Hans at some DJ events around the UK.

Fan favourites David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman reunited for the first time in 10 years in the Great British Bake Off Christmas special in 2025.

image is not available

The actors tackled a series of seasonal baking challenges to be judged by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

Oscar winner Olivia Colman, who played Sophie, won the Christmas special after she impressed judges with an apple and cinnamon cake depicting her character in a ball pit and a technical challenge featuring turkey pies.

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved