Barry Humphries' publicist gives update on health after 'unresponsive' claims

Barry Humphries' family has rushed to be by his side after the entertainer’s health deteriorated due to complications from hip replacement surgery in February.

The iconic Aussie comedian, who is famous for portraying Dame Edna Everage, was readmitted to St Vincent's hospital this week, with ABC reporting he is in an "unresponsive state".

"ABC radio in Sydney have now reported Barry has gone into an unresponsive state," entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Sunrise on Friday morning.

"It does tally up with information I was given yesterday that Barry’s pain was beginning to increase so in turn they began to give him more morphine, which certainly keeps you comfortable, is a nice way of putting it."

He added, "Barry has been in an increasingly perilous state of health, all these complications from the fall, the hip replacement… As I told you, his children were told in the beginning it would be advisable if they wanted to come see him to do so … and they are all there right now along with his wife Lizzie."

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However, Barry's publicist, Wendy Day, denied reports on Friday morning he had become unresponsive.

She told AAP his condition was unchanged, and he is resting as doctors continue to look after him.

The entertainer's family shared a statement on Wednesday, saying he was grateful for his fans' support.

"Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes he’s received, but would like more and more," it read. "He would also like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at St Vincent’s hospital."

Barry's sons Oscar and Rupert have travelled from London to be by his side, as has his daughter Emily, with whom the entertainer has been estranged for over 20 years.

Ford shared that the father and daughter only reconciled at Barry's hospital bedside.

"It is a really serious situation. I don’t expect there’s going to be a good outcome," the reporter said.

Ford also spoke to 3AW, revealing Barry is "doing it really tough at the moment".

"He has not been in a good way all year and a lot of this is complications from hip replacement surgery, he tripped on a rug … next thing you know he is on this downward spiral," he said.

Ford adds that while the star is in "absolute agony", he is determined to get better for a tour at the end of the year.

"It’s always good to have something to aim for, it’s not over until it’s over," he said. "But I’m told things are very serious with Barry’s health, and all we can do is wish him well and great strength to him and his family.

"He is surrounded by great people, great medical team and we can only cross our fingers and hope for the best."

Barry has been living in London with his wife Lizzie, and was only visiting Sydney earlier this year when he tripped on a rug while reaching for a book, breaking his hip.

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