Stephen Fry was given addictive opioid painkiller OxyContin after fall

Actor was prescribed controversial high-strength drug to prevent loss of muscle after complex fractures of leg, hip and pelvis sustained on stage

Stephen Fry was given the controversial painkiller OxyContin to help him to move again during his recovery from a serious fall.

Now walking without a stick for the first time since the accident in September, Fry has revealed he was a reluctant user of the drug. He took it on the advice of his surgeon, after being warned that if he waited until the pain subsided his leg muscles would weaken.