Dustin Diamond has confirmed he is suffering from stage four cancer.
Dustin Diamond
The 44-year-old actor – who is best known for his role as Samuel 'Screech' Powers in 'Saved By the Bell' – was taken to hospital in Florida last weekend after feeling pain all over his body and he has now confirmed his diagnosis.
A statement shared on his Facebook page read: “At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made.
"We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated.”
Dustin‘s team also provided fans with postal and email addresses to send letters to the actor to send their support but stressed they shouldn't be used for autograph requests.
A spokesperson for the actor called the diagnosis "serious" and confirmed it was stage four, but explained Dustin is still undergoing tests in hospital and will be there "for a while".
The representative added to Entertainment Weekly: "He's undergoing chemo so he will be there at least another week and then we will figure out when he gets to come home.
"By next week, we'll have a much better understanding of the severity of his condition and what treatments he will need so that he's comfortable."
Dustin is said to be feeling "fine" at the moment, a significant improvement on when he was admitted to hospital.
The spokesperson said: "He was fading in and out, feeling sleepy and tired. On top of all this he also has shingles, so he's been in a lot of pain."
Another representative for the actor explained his issues began with "a huge lump on his throat."
Dustin’s family reportedly has a history with the potentially life-threatening disease, and he previously lost his mother to breast cancer.
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