Fawlty Towers legend John Cleese is recovering in hospital following a mystery eye operation.

The British star had surgery on his left eye on Wednesday but has assured fans he's OK.

A photo of Cleese lying in a hospital bed, wearing a gown, and with a large patch over his eye was posted on his official Twitter.com page on Thursday.

Garry Scott-Irvine, a longtime friend of the funnyman, has taken over Cleese's blog while he is incapacitated, and has explained the secrecy surrounding the surgery: "He didn't want to alarm you by saying that he was having an eye op yesterday... anyway, he's alive!!"

And after well-wishers flooded the blog with comments, Scott-Irvine posted another photo of the star in hospital smiling for the camera, and added: "He perked up when I read him your notes."

Cleese's agent had not returned calls for comment as WENN went to press.