Oscar-nominated actor John Hurt has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

John Hurt, 75, said he would continue working despite the diagnosis.

The veteran actor was Oscar-nominated for his role in 1980’s The Elephant Man.

John Hurt, who starred as the War Doctor in Doctor Who in 2013 told the Press Association: “I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team.”

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The actor said wanted to announce his diagnosis to the press because he had “always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement”.

John Hurt is due to be seen on the small screen in November in new Sky Atlantic drama The Last Panthers, opposite Samantha Morton.

According to IMDB, the veteran actor also has roles in some seven other projects, including the upcoming Tarzan film, due for release in 2016.

Sir John Hurt was knighted earlier this year for his services to drama.