UPDATE: A spokesman for York Theatre Royal said this morning Mr Barrass remains in intensive care, where he is "seriously ill", but "currently stable".

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MUCH-LOVED York actor Martin Barrass remains in intensive care following a motorcycle crash.

Mr Barrass, who lives in York and has been a fixture of the Theatre Royal's pantomime for decades, was airlifted to hospital after the crash, which took place at about 3pm on Saturday.

The Press understands he is currently in a serious condition in the intensive care unit at Leeds General Infirmary, and has suffered internal injuries and damage to his pelvis.

Liz Wilson, chief executive of York Theatre Royal, said: "Martin is much loved at York Theatre Royal and we are thinking of him and his family at this difficult time. We are willing him to stay strong and hope that his condition improves following further treatment."

She added on Tuesday: “Our thoughts continue to be with Martin and his family during this time. We have been overwhelmed by the number of messages of support and love from audiences and other theatres, which continue to pour in.

“Martin is not only a great actor but part of the theatre family and we can only echo the messages we have received by saying we are thinking of him constantly and hope that he responds well to the treatment and care he is receiving.”

Berwick Kaler, who has worked with Martin throughout all the Theatre Royal pantomimes, said he was “gutted” to have heard about his friend’s condition.

He said: “I think we will know more either today or tomorrow.

"His son and daughter are with him and a few close friends. They won’t let anyone else in, no-one from the theatre has seen him. He’s not conscious and they are keeping him like that to get him strong enough to have an operation.

“No-one’s thinking about the panto or anything like that, we’ve all just got our fingers crossed and are praying for him to pull through. It’s only a bloody pantomime for God’s sake, we just want him to pull through.”

York Press:

Martin, who is from Hull, appeared in Emmerdale in the 1980s, and is also a regular performer with the Hull Truck Theatre Company, who said they were shocked at the news.

A spokeswoman said: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of Martin’s accident and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He is a well-loved and admired actor at Hull Truck Theatre and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

A York Theatre Royal spokesman said Mr Barrass’ friends and family were all still waiting to hear more about his condition, and all were hopeful for his full recovery.

He said: “This is a difficult time for all those who know and love Martin, the reality is that we all have to wait and hope that he pulls through this critical stage in his recovery.”

Among the messages of support to Mr Barrass was one from Harrogate Theatre, which read: “Wishing actor Martin Barrass a very speedy recovery. Thoughts with his family and friends from all at Harrogate Theatre.”

Mr Kaler, who was recently rushed to hospital with a heart condition and had a pacemaker fitted, said he was trying to write this year’s Theatre Royal pantomime.

He said: “I can’t write a line because I just keep thinking of Mart all the time.

“He’s so much a part of my life, we have a Morecambe and Wise relationship, without all the talent. We’re so close, the way we work, and I can’t believe it’s all in jeopardy. The main thing is he survives and pulls through.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said an investigation into the crash, which took place between a motorcycle and a silver Vauxhall Astra in Newbridge Lane, Halton East, Skipton, is underway.

The spokesman urged anyone who witnessed the crash to contact police on 101 quoting job number 319 of Saturday, September 10.