Dame Julie Walters has pulled out of an upcoming Channel 4 drama due to health concerns.
She's been replaced by Lindsay Duncan who will be stepping in to fill the role of Phil on Truelove. A spokesperson for Clerkenwell Films said: "Last year, filming on Truelove was paused while Julie Walters sought medical advice and attention for severe back pain.
"Subsequently, Julie has decided to step back from the project to focus on her recovery and recuperation, and so will not be returning to the role of Phil.
READ MORE: What Little Ant and Dec look like now as Saturday Night Takeaway returns
"We wholeheartedly support her decision, and the entire cast, crew and production team wish her the very best and a speedy recovery.
"We are delighted that Lindsay Duncan will be stepping into the role of Phil. We're excited to see what she brings to this complex and captivating character when we restart filming later this year."
The actress was set on her first screen comeback after a six-year gap saw her step away from the spotlight entirely, the Mirror reported. Around the time of casting, she questioned whether or not she'd ever work again.
In a statement, the Mamma Mia! star said: "I had basically withdrawn from acting and wasn’t sure that anything could tempt me back but then I read Truelove.
"I was completely bowled over by the writing - the dark humour, the love story and the thriller element set against a backdrop of what happens to us all as we approach our later years.
"I adore the character of Phil - smart, funny and hard-edge, how often does one have the chance at my tender age to play a leading lady in a TV drama?"
Dame Julie, who spent several years in Liverpool with the Everyman Theatre Company in the 1970s, previously opened up about her health struggles, including a battle with bowel cancer that left her with "slight discomfort" and stomach pain. She was referred for a CT scan which ultimately showed the diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer but she kept the news a secret for the Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again premiere, citing a ruptured hernia.
READ NEXT
- What Little Ant and Dec look like now as Saturday Night Takeaway returns
- Coronation Street's Georgia Taylor cosies up to co-star as they appear to confirm romance
- Tesco shoppers adore 'super flattering' F&F Clothing cream dress worn by Frankie Bridge on Instagram
- Jet2 warning to anyone flying to Spain in next two months
- Tesco's £6 product will banish mould on silicone and sealant
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
