DOCTOR WHO - DR WHO STAR'S PLAY AXED

DR WHO actor CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON is reportedly "gutted" after hearing his much-anticipated West End play has been axed without reason.

The cult TV star was due to appear at London's Comedy Theatre as Elizabethan playwright CHRISTOPHER MARLOW in THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT, but the show has been dramatically pulled just one month before curtain-up (27FEB06).

Although reasons for the cancellation remain unknown, a source tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "The decision has nothing to do with him (Eccleston).

"Christopher has been committed to this since May, so he is absolutely gutted.

"The producers are being sketchy about why it has been cancelled. Christopher was told last week or, at the most, the week before."

A statement on behalf of the show's producers reads; "They are hoping that a production of the play will take place in the future and in the meantime they are discussing other projects with Mr Eccleston."