Stephen Fry’s Health Journey: From On-Stage Mishap to Managing Chronic Pain on Celebrity Traitors

Fans of the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors series are likely thrilled to see TV icon Stephen Fry among the cast. Known for his wit and humor, the celebrated comedian and actor joins 19 other celebrities in this spin-off show. Their mission is to identify the Traitors, allowing the Faithfuls to claim a £100,000 prize, earmarked for a charity of their selection. While Stephen’s sharp mind might give him an edge in the game, his personal life has been marked by various health challenges over the years.

In 2023, Stephen faced a serious health scare when he was hurried to the hospital following a fall at the CogX Festival held at London’s O2 Arena. According to MailOnline, he tumbled from a height of “two metres to the floor,” necessitating his departure in a wheelchair.

After recovering, Stephen recounted the incident to BBC Radio 2’s Claudia Winkleman, explaining: “I was at the O2 Arena for an event. After completing my hour-long lecture, I turned to exit the stage, unaware that I was stepping off a section that led to a six-foot drop onto concrete.”

He continued, “I ended up fracturing my right leg in two places, my pelvis in four, and several ribs. Thankfully, I’m doing well now and have ditched the walking stick, though I do feel a bit self-conscious without it.”

Stephen revealed that while in the hospital, he was offered OxyContin for pain relief. Initially hesitant, he eventually accepted the medication on his doctor’s advice to facilitate a quicker recovery.

The TV star has also been candid about his chronic pain since the fall. Last year, he told Radio 4’s Today programme that living with the condition “makes you afraid of basic movements”.

“You almost call it a friend and say, ‘It’s okay, I know why you’re there’ and you’re not a failure on the part of evolution, or God, or whatever you want to call nature,” he said. He also revealed that his fall in 2023 left him needing constant physiotherapy.

Speaking to Proffesor Irene Tracey, he told her: “Are we wrong to believe that it’s rather British to think that pain is something that should be endured?”

The 68-year-old also added he was now off medication and pain-free.

Celebrity Traitors can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.