The Doctor Who star fell ill at his home in California earlier this week and was rushed to Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage.

He was told by doctors that he had appendicitis and would have to have his appendix removed immediately.

Ahead of his surgery, he shared a video on Facebook as he lay in bed and explained the procedure to his fans while he was accompanied by his parents.

John, 50, later took to Instagram to update his 724,000 followers on his progress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW-277sFIH-/

Lying in a hospital gown, he explained: “I feel a bit like I have been hit by a car and I am just sore all over. And my voice is sore because of the tube going down my throat.

“They are going to see how I am today and they said if I’m okay I may get to go home but otherwise I’ll be here.”

The actor later shared a snap of himself giving a thumbs up and showcasing his TARDIS socks which were gifted by a fan.

“Got my fan made #TARDIS socks on keeping my feet warm in the hospital,” he captioned the shot.

It comes just days after he dressed up as the Doctor’s time travelling phone box and sang Copacabana at San Diego Comic-con.

He could be seen in a blue tutu and matching vest top with a black belt, which read “police box” around his waist as he took to the stage.