Quote:
Originally Posted by HD addicted
Unfortunately Andy Whitfield has a cancer and despite a long cure is not recovering well. Here is what Wikipedia says about it:
"In March 2010, Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, beginning treatment immediately in New Zealand. This delayed production of season two of Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
In June it was announced that Whitfield completely finished his treatment, had a clean bill of health and was expected to be back on the set of Spartacus: Blood and Sand by October. Three months later, in September, it was announced that Whitfield's cancer had returned and he would not be returning for the second season of Spartacus.
Whitfield will make a brief appearance in the prequel mini-series Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, scheduled to premiere in January 2011."
All the best to him!
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Well said and this was taken form the community forum on STARZ on the SPARTACUS forum:
Andy Whitfield, star of Starz's "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has been advised by his doctors to immediately resume aggressive treatment for a recurrence of cancer, as a result of which he will not be returning for the series' second season, which was tentatively set to air in September 2011.
"It’s with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as ‘Spartacus’ and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far," said Whitfield.
"Our hearts and prayers are with Andy and his family during this difficult time," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "Andy is not only an incredible actor whose portrayal of Spartacus made an indelible impression on Starz audiences, he is also an amazing human being whose courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity have inspired all of us."
No decisions have yet been made about the future of the series. "Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family," said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director, Starz Media. "We will address our programming plans at some later date."
Starz still plans to air the prequel to "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" in January 2011. Entitled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," it focuses on the House of Batiatus before Spartacus arrives in Capua and stars returning cast members John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah and Manu Bennett, along with newcomer Dustin Clare.
Full link to the forum:
http://community.starz.com/t5/Sparta...eld/td-p/65282
P.S AND ALL THE BEST TO ANDY WHITFIELD AND BEST WISHES TO HIS FAMILY THROUGH THE TROUBLED TIMES