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Tennant back surgery may stop him returning as Hamlet
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent11.12.08
DAVID TENNANT may not be well enough to return to his role as Hamlet, it was revealed today.
Spinal experts warned it could be "many months" before he is fully recovered - leaving him unable to return to the stage in January. The show at the Novello Theatre closes on 10 January. The Doctor Who star is having surgery today for a prolapsed disc and the Royal Shakespeare Company has said he will not return to the production "before Christmas".
But Ben Katz, an osteopath in Bethnal Green, said: "It could be many months before he is truly recovered."
Edward Bennett, the understudy who stepped in to take over this week, will continue to perform the role after receiving a standing ovation at Tuesday's press night. In a statement, the Doctor Who star said: "It is hugely disappointing for me. It is impossible for me to carry on without surgery. I want to get back on stage as quickly as possible and I am very grateful to Ed who has courageously got to grips with the role in a much shorter time."
The RSC and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres will not issue refunds because the company has a "fully rehearsed understudy policy".
Reader views (3)
I hope the surgery goes well and that he has a full recovery.
- Amanda, Austin T x, USA
Poor dishy David. I hope he gets better soon. Hopefully this won't prevent him from filming Dr Who next year.
- John, London, UK
Thank goodness its only a prolapsed disc and not a double heart transplant. Whats bad news for Tennant is a chance for the understudy to shine. I was surprised that the Director Jonathan Millar was still around and doing this play; I thought he'd given up trying to make it in showbiz and gone back to a regular job.
- Dhanraj, Basildon Essex
