Dick Van Dyke fans have been left concerned after the 99-year-old actor dropped out of his own musical fundraising event at the last minute due to illness. The Mary Poppins star was set to host the event alongside his 53-year-old wife Arlene Silver on Saturday (June 28) – but Silver explained he was not having a “good day”.

The Vandy Camp event went ahead at the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theatre at Malibu High School, with Arlene telling the gathered crowd: “I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I’m sorry.” She told the audience she is “not the Van Dyke you’re expecting”.

Arlene went on: “When you’re 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days, and unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he’s sick that he can’t be here.” She added she is “pretty confident” that the star will be at the next event “in person”, after he appeared via livestream instead.

Speaking about hosting the event herself, she praised Hollywood icon Dick for giving her the confidence to appear on stage, telling fans: “I would never be able to do this maybe, like, a year ago, but I’ve had so many experiences pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and right now I’m out of my comfort zone.

“I have to wear my big girl pants and hold the reins without Dick here as the safety net that he’s always here with me.”

Fans have been quick to share their concern on social media, with one tweeting: “Sending all my best wishes to Mr Dick Van Dyke at this time.” Another echoed: “He’s 99. Let him take a nap! Geez.”

Somebody else said: “Health concerns? He’s 99 and still walking around outside. That man is in good shape. Have you ever been to a nursing home and seen a 75 year old?”