Australians were no doubt taken aback when Aussie entertainment icon Paul Hogan revealed he has been left feeling “feeble” after suffering an ongoing health battle.

During an interview with A Current Affair, the 83-year-old revealed to Tracy Grimshaw that he has battled with retroperitoneal fibrosis.

According to Healthline, the rare condition “occurs when excess fibrous tissue develops in the space behind your stomach and intestine called the retroperitoneal area”.

“This often causes compression and blockage of the ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder,” Healthline explained.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Aussie legend Paul Hogan has spoken candidly with Tracy Grimshaw about recent health struggles.

See the full story TONIGHT on A Current Affair.#9ACA | Watch LIVE 7pm pic.twitter.com/nGI8Pitc5b

— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) November 7, 2022

Hogan spoke of how the condition and the subsequent treatment caused his muscles and body fat to deteriorate, forcing him to rely on his son, Chance, for help with day-to-day tasks.

“I’ve been better. I had a problem on the aorta and the kidney and the treatment fixed it but it shrunk me,” Hogan said.

“I‘ve lost all my body fat and the muscles all shrank and my strength has come back because it left me feeble. I had to get Chance to open jars for me. I’ve just got zero body fat.”

After remaining in shape for most of his life, Hogan revealed it was troubling when his health started going downhill.

“I maintained right up until 79 I was still fit,” he said.

“I’d still take out most 40-year-olds then I turned 80 and there‘s a saying that turning 80’s not for sissies because things start to fall apart but, no, I can’t complain.”

Hogan’s health woes clearly struck a chord with his Australian fans who were quick to share their messages of support and love to social media for the Crocodile Dundee star.

Come home Hoges. This is where your heart is.

— Phillip Basti (@PhillipBasti) November 7, 2022

Get well soon

— Alan Moret (@AlanMoret7) November 8, 2022

Oh wow… he’s the same age as my mom, but looking so weak. I feel so bad. He should return to family & spend his sunset years surrounded by love.

— VV???? (@SincerelyVeeVee) November 8, 2022

Love and blessings to you Paul. ❤️

— suse.m.w (@susemw1) November 8, 2022

I wish someone would help him get back to Australia safely.

— Cheryl Ghiselin (@GhiselinCheryl) November 8, 2022

I’ve been a long time fan of Mr. Hogan’s since the original Mick Dundee movie, and am happy he’s better, but I can relate to feeling frustrated with not being able to do what you want or did in the past. I hope he is able to go home to Australia. ????????????????

— Kristin (Grandma K) & Lucy (@thehouseai) November 9, 2022

Hoges was a staple during the 70s and 80s. Sorry to hear about his health problems.

— LimaCharlie ????????????????????????????.Engineer.Pilot. (@TangoPapa_) November 7, 2022

Thanks for the laughs, best of health you…

— Stewart Smith (@Stewartsmagooey) November 7, 2022

Hogan gained fame in Australia for his popular comedy sketch program The Paul Hogan Show before gaining worldwide superstardom as Mick Dundee in the Crocodile Dundee film series.