His agent, Victoria Belfrage, told The Mirror newspaper in the UK he is being treated for the condition.

She said: "Michael has cancer. But he has had treatment and is on an even keel."

It is thought the cancer was discovered in June when Williams underwent a spell in hospital with the lung condition pleurisy.

Dame Judi: Flew to London when her husband was ill in June

Dame Judi flew back to London from New York, where she was starring in the hit Broadway show Amy's View.

The couple, both 64, are regarded as one of the most successful in British showbusiness. Williams is highly regarded as an actor in his own right, while he has supported his wife's rise to worldwide fame over recent years.

He co-starred with Dame Judi in the 1980s ITV comedy series A Fine Romance, and also featured in the drama September Song. They also both appeared in the Franco Zeffirelli fim, Tea With Mussolini.