TV Spartacus: House of Ashur (2025)

Spartacus Star Andy Whitfield's Cancer Returns

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.


Read more: Spartacus Star Andy Whitfield's Cancer Returns - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=69930#ixzz0zs0XtwXp

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With the unfortunate news of Spartacus star Andy Whitfield's cancer returning, Starz must now make some difficult decisions about what to do with their breakout hit series. Season 2, aka Spartacus: Vengeance, had already been put on hold while Whitfield underwent treatment for his illness, with a 6-episode prequel series starring Lucy Lawless and John Hannah, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, being filmed as a backstory place-filler.

Now that Whitfield has dropped out of the series completely, executive producer and showrunner Steven S. DeKnight talked to EW.com's Michael Ausiello about the available options. "The two main options are to close up shop or recast," DeKnight told Ausiello. "I want to talk to Andy and find out how he feels about the options. That's obviously very important to us."

DeKnight went on to say that he and the rest of the creative team were still reeling from the news and that they didn't think any decision would be made any time soon. But what say you, fans of Spartacus? Do you think Starz should end the series entirely, or take a shot at recasting the titular role?

Read more: http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/112/1123628p1.html#ixzz10lLN0nTH

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