Ken Watanabe fans no doubt rejoiced when they heard that he would be coming back to Broadway for another run of 'The King And I' after apparently ending his reign last year, but it seems fans may have to wait a little longer than they'd hoped as Watanabe has been facing a new battle with cancer.

Ken WatanabeKen Watanabe is recovering well after treatment

Don't let yourself worry too much through; the 56-year-old actor has already undergone treatment for the disease and is well on the road to recovery having managed to catch the cancer extremely early indeed. However, he will have to spend the rest of the month resting up so he won't be in New York for his scheduled March premiere.

'Ken has undergone laparoscopic surgery after having been diagnosed with stomach cancer in January. His surgery was successful but his return to Broadway will be postponed', a statement on his Facebook page read. The Tony award nominee even took to his Japanese Twitter account to apologise to his fans himself.

More: Hugh Jackman is another celebrity who recently underwent cancer surgery

'I hate to worry you, but please wait', he said. 'I was really shocked, my wife and daughter pushed me to have a health check and the cancer was found. It was a very early stage and they operated immediately. I'll be resting in February so my arrival in New York will be somewhat delayed.'

It's not the first time the actor, who was nominated for an Oscar for his 2003 film 'The Last Samurai', has faced struggles with cancer. In 1989, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and soon recovered, only for it to return in 1994. He beat it again though and we're pleased to know that he's once again managed to fight this illness.

He was due to return to 'The King And I' on Broadway on March 1st 2016, following the Grammy Awards in which he has been nominated for Best Musical Theater Album.