“Concern is rising for Noel Fielding after he abruptly pulled out of filming for his comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin due to ill health.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
The Great British Bake Off star, 51, played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the multi-million show which had its first series on Apple TV last spring but it was reported earlier this week that series two was axed mid-production.
A spokesperson for the comedian confirmed to MailOnline: ‘This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client’s health.
‘We are saddened by the decision to cease production but we cannot make any further comment on this matter.’
Meanwhile a source close to the show told The Times: ‘Noel has said that he can’t film anymore and so there was no choice but to stop.
‘It’s not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldn’t have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadn’t been exhausted.
‘People have been very concerned about Noel’s wellbeing and given him time to recover but there are also significant repercussions. Some people are furious.’
It comes after reports the cast and crew working on the show are planning to sue the show’s makers after it was axed.
While filming was set to resume for the second series after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew have received the devastating news that it would not be happening.
It has been reported that Noel didn’t return after the festive break and now more than 100 are considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Apple TV+ comedy.
They report that because Noel – who plays the character of Turpin – is also a co-writer and executive producer he is likely to be sued too.
The publication claims he left for France before the team learned of the shock axing news and has not been seen in public since.
A source said: ‘Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of — plus there’s a mystery over just what has happened.
‘It’s left bosses of other shows he is on feeling extremely nervous.
‘Plus he’ll have to contend with any legal action. It will be a difficult few months for him.’
MailOnline has contacted Noel’s representatives for comment.
Despite concern, Noel has continued to be active on social media and paid tribute to the late director David Lynch on Thursday with a series of black hearts.
Originally known for his dark comedic style, Noel became a household name after he joined the hosting lineup of the Great British Bake Off back in 2017.
Seen as an unusual choice at the time, he has gone on to win the hearts of viewers, co-hosting the show with Sandi Toksvig, Matt Lucas and most recently Alison Hammond.
Back in 2021 the star sparked concern after he suddenly disappeared halfway through an episode of the Channel 4 show with a mystery illness.
Co-host Matt told viewers: ‘Okay Bakers, Noel is feeling a little under the weather, but we’re going to carry on…’ as he took on the duties solo for the last 10 minutes of the show.
Born in South London, Noel met fellow comedian Julian Barratt at Croydon art college and they formed the eccentric comedy troupe the Mighty Boosh.
The group earned their big break after they won best newcomer at Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 1998 and three BBC series of Might Boosh followed as well as sell out stage shows.
Putting Noel firmly on the map he went on to play Richmond in Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd and star team captain opposite Phil Jupitus on Never Mind The Buzzcocks from 2009 to 2015.
Embracing the rock and roll lifestyle, Noel became no stranger to the party scene and was regularly seen on night’s out with stars including Russell Brand, Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse and even Courtney Love.
He was also hit headlines when he was spotted kissing Pixie Geldof in a club when she was 16 and still at school and he was 33.
A source told the DailyMail: ‘Pixie was knocking back pints like a pro and boasting about her drunken antics the night before.
‘She was desperate for Noel to turn up and, when he finally did, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
‘He has a bit of a reputation but that’s all part of the appeal. She was totally smitten. They were cuddled up in a corner kissing for most of the night.’
According to The Sun, Noel said at the time: ‘When I first met her I had no idea who she was and that she was so young.
‘It caused a lot of problems because her dad wanted to kill me obviously.’
The star also had hepatitis during his time at college and couldn’t drink for six months.
Noel told the Times in 2009: ‘I just carried on not drinking for years. I used to be able to enjoy myself with just nothing. I’d stay up till four in the morning, with everyone else being drunk. Just make a bit of effort and get used to it. It’s good actually.’
Noel has also been open about his colourful exploits earlier in his career. He later admitted: ‘I took too many drugs and was hanging out with the wrong people.’
The star explained he was constantly being offered drugs and girls as he said he would often be out until 7am in the morning.
Noel quit drugs in 2006, saying: ‘I thought, “This is too much for my head, I won’t come back from this”.’
Since leaving that lifestyle behind he has been in a long term relationship with radio DJ Lliana Bird and the pair share two daughters Dali and Iggy.
Lliana, who is the founder of charity Choose Love, and Noel live in a leafy north London suburb and
His successful comedy series sees Noel play the infamous highwayman who lived from 1705 to 1739, in a fictional take on his life.
Along with his gang of loveable rogues, Dick experiences the highs and lows of celebrity, and does what he can to escape the clutches of the Thief Taker General.
It’s written and created by Claire Downes, Stuart Lane, Ian Jarvis of The Outlaws and The Job Lot, with Noel and Jeremy Dyson of League Of Gentleman as script consultants.
The cast also includes Tamsin Greig, Hugh Bonneville and Greg Davies, and will begin streaming on the service March 1.
Noel is due to start filming series 16 of the Great British Bake Off for Channel 4 this spring, which he co-hosts with Alison Hammond.
It comes after Noel admitted what makes him ‘absolutely livid’ on The Great British Bake Off set – and it includes Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith .
Ahead of series 15 Noel revealed that he was just as passionate about the programme as ever, and he felt particularly ‘protective’ over that year’s bakers.
Recalling how he was reduced to tears when he was tasked with sending one of them home, the TV personality made an admission.
In an interview with The Guardian he said: ‘There are some very special bakers in the tent this year. Somehow the standard keeps getting higher.’
Noel continued: ‘These unbelievable young bakers are way better than they should be for their age. It’s a vintage year. One of the best yet.
‘I’m fascinated by the people. I feel protective of them. If Paul and Prue are hard on them, I’m absolutely livid. It’s devastating when they leave. This year I was particularly fond of one baker. When I had to send them home, I cried.’