Paphos People

Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The star of Dirty Dancing and Ghost is currently undergoing treatment for the disease, his representatives have confirmed.

But they have quashed reports that he only has a short time to live, with his doctor saying in a statement Swayze has a "limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far".

Swayze's representatives continued: "All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue.

"We are considerably more optimistic. Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects.

"The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

Swayze, 55, is best known for his role as dance instructor Johnny Castle opposite Jennifer Grey's character, infatuated teenager Frances "Baby" Houseman, in the 1987 movie musical Dirty Dancing.

In his most famous movie line, swooned over by women and teenage girls everywhere, he said: "Nobody puts Baby in the corner."

He went on to star alongside Demi Moore in the 1990 tear-jerker Ghost, which also became a box office hit and was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture.

His other famous movies have included Point Break and Roadhouse.

I saw the report on the news - so sad. Marj

My big sister is going to be gutted, she was so infatuated with him, still is I think

It's such a shame to see this happen even if you don't know them personally but because he's famous, you know of him
There are probably thousands of people out there with the same but because he is famous, that's why you hear about it, otherwise you wouldn't know anything