Sir John Hurt and his oncologist are ''extremely optimistic'' he will recover from pancreatic cancer.

The 75-year-old actor - who received Oscar nominations for his roles in 'The Elephant Man' and 'Midnight Express' in the 1980s - was knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle today (17.07.15) and insisted he's ''feeling good'' after completing half a course of chemotherapy treatment.

Speaking after receiving the coveted honour for his services to drama, he said: ''I'm half-way through my chemotherapy and I've got a whole load of tests next week. I'm not feeling any of the side effects you're suppose to feel, or at least you can feel, as everybody's different I'm told. It's extraordinary, I haven't lost weight or anything and I'm feeling good - it's crazy. My oncologist is extremely optimistic, as indeed I am, so everything is going really well.''

The actor, who has two sons, Sasha, 25, and Nick, 22, was accompanied to the prestigious ceremony by his fourth wife, Anwen Rees-Myers, 59, who he has been married to since 2005.

John first revealed his diagnosis in a statement last month, saying: ''I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer. I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team.

''I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell (one of life's small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4.''

The actor's incredible career has spanned six decades and has included starring roles in the Ridley Scott-directed movie 'Alien', political thriller 'V for Vendetta' and the espionage movie 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'.