Harry Potter star taken ill on flight to Orlando
Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane has been rushed to hospital after being taken ill on a flight to Florida.
The 64-year-old, who was due to visit Universal Orlando Resort for a press event at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park this weekend, is believed to have been suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Coltrane, who plays Hagrid in the hit Harry Potter films, has been travelling to the US for Harry Potter talent celebration events.
In a statement released today, Warner Brothers said: "Robbie took ill last night and is getting the rest he needs to feel better.
"We are sorry he cannot be with us this weekend and look forward to seeing him up and about soon."
Coltrane’s agent told confirmed he wouldn’t be able to attend a planned Orlando press event, but was ‘fine’ and resting in hospital.
Paramedics met the British actor when he got off a plane yesterday and immediately took him to a nearby hospital.
The gossip website TMZ said that one of his co-stars Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, was also on the flight.
A Twitter uses posted on the social media site that his friend had spotted Coltrane drinking in a Heathrow Airport lounge before boarding the flight to Orlando.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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