ROWAN ATKINSON - ATKINSON UNDERGOES HERNIA SURGERY

ATKINSON UNDERGOES HERNIA SURGERY

British actor ROWAN ATKINSON has pulled out of his role in a West End production of OLIVER after undergoing hernia surgery.
The Bean star has been nursing the problem for a while but fell ill earlier this week (beg30Mar09) while enjoying a break from his role as Fagin in the London-based musical.
Atkinson cut short his family holiday to fly back to the U.K. for the operation and will now have to sit out of the production for three weeks while he recovers.
A statement from producers reads, "The problem flared up badly whilst on a break with his family this week. He has cut short his holiday to fly back to have surgery immediately to speed the recovery process.
"The condition, whilst neither serious nor dangerous, is extremely painful and prevents normal movement, making performing impossible."
Atkinson is expected back at work on 27 April (09).