Matt Damon has called on fans to pray for his ill dad

He told 'Extra': "It's been a slow ... unfolding, my dad's sick, so that's been a process we're going through.

"We'll take any prayers you got, so throw 'em up there."

Matt had to pull out of the BAFTA Britannia Awards in October due to a "family emergency" to return home to Boston, Massachusetts, where he was said to have gone to be at his father's side.

He was set to be handed the Stanley Kubrick Award for Excellence in Film at the Los Angeles ceremony, but pulled out of attending at the last minute to return to Boston "urgently".

Kate Mara gave a touching speech about the 'Suburbicon' star before taking the accolade on his behalf.

She explained: "Unfortunately Matt has urgently needed to travel to Boston and couldn't join us tonight. As much as we wish he was here with us, we know family comes first. So our thoughts are with you, Matt, and much love from your friends here in LA."

Matt said in a video message: "Hello and thank you to everyone at BAFTA.

"I found out about this award six months ago and I was just so incredibly honoured to receive it and I was really looking forward to tonight.

"Unfortunately, I had to go back to Boston for a family emergency. I'm really sorry not to be with you tonight.

"Thank you for this wonderful honour and I hope you have a lovely evening. See you soon."

Kent previously praised his son, admitting it has been a "wonderful ride" as his father.

He said: "He's all you could ever for ask for in a son. It's been a wonderful ride being his dad."