Flatley Illness Halts ‘Celtic Tiger’

Michael Flatley is out of the hospital and recovering at home, but there’s unlikely to be any news of the rescheduling of his “Celtic Tiger” until January.

He went down with what was described as a “serious illness” just days before the show was due to start this year’s second run of 2006 European dates in Zurich November 17th.

Although no further details were released, many U.K. mainland papers quoted close friend Father Aidan Troy saying he was concerned about the Irish dance star’s health.

“Genuinely I’m shocked. Without being unkind, he’s not 18. I thought initially it may be exhaustion or stress,” said Troy, who had who officiated at Flatley’s wedding a month earlier.

The 48-year-old star, who made his name in the Riverdance show, married 32-year-old fellow dancer Niamh O’Brien in Ireland. It’s his second marriage.

Earlier this year, Flatley revealed he had been treated for facial skin cancer, but insisted he was completely cured.

After “Riverdance,” Flatley’s success continued with international tours of the “Lord of the Dance” and “Feet of Flames” shows.

In the spring, Celtic Tiger’s 15-date European debut tour played to packed houses and grossed close to $9 million.

— John Gammon