United Kingdom, May 16 -- Matt Lucas had to pull out of 'Les Miserables' mid-performance after suffering health issues.

The 51-year-old actor and comedian has been starring as Monsieur Thenardier in the touring production of the musical in Australia but was replaced by his co-star Connor Jones after taking ill on stage.

He wrote on Instagram: "I've been having a magical time in Les Miserables in arenas in Sydney and Melbourne.

"In over 30 years I've never had to bow out during a performance but tonight, as I was singing 'Master Of The House', I could feel my voice deserting me,

"So if Thenardier looked very different in Act 2, that was because the amazing Connor Jones took over.

"I'm now in bed resting up, and hope to be back on stag...