Comic vows he'll be back on stage soon after operation.

COMEDIAN Ken Dodd will be back on stage next month after undergoing surgery for a hernia, his agent said last night.

Robert Holmes said the operation at the Royal Liverpool Hospital had gone well and there had been no complications.

"I've just spoken to Ken and he's fine," said Mr Holmes. "He's had to postpone a couple of concerts, but he'll be back on stage next month," he added.

The Daily Post revealed yesterday how Dodd, 80, went into hospital on Monday morning, just hours after a sell-out performance at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall. The star, who was awarded the OBE in 1982, is well-known for his marathon stand-up shows which often over-run into the early hours.

Sunday's performance ran from 7.30pm until well after midnight.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Liverpool said: "I've just spoken to him and he told me to say he expects to be home in a couple of days."

Two postponed shows were due to take place this week in St Helens and Birkenhead. They will be rescheduled.

People who cannot make the shows on the new dates will have their money refunded.

Mr Holmes said the performer had no other shows scheduled for January.

PHILHARMONIC HALL SHOW REVIEW: PAGE 17

CAPTION(S):

Ken Dodd - feeling fine