DAVID TENNANT - TENNANT TEMPORARILY OUT OF HAMLET AFTER BACK INJURY

TENNANT TEMPORARILY OUT OF HAMLET AFTER BACK INJURY

An "ongoing back injury" forced David Tennant to withdraw from a performance of Hamlet on Monday night, it has been confirmed.

The Doctor Who star is currently playing the Dane for the Royal Shakespeare Company (RCS) at the Novello Theatre in London.

An RSC spokeswoman commented: "We're waiting to hear whether he'll be able to perform tonight on press night."

Edward Bennett - who plays Laertes - in the production - received a standing ovation after filling in as Hamlet on Monday, the RSC confirmed.

Tickets to see Tennant as the Shakespearean character sold out in less than three hours when they went on sale in September.

The production, which features Sir Patrick Stewart in the roles of Claudius and the Ghost, recently transferred from the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Tennant, 37, announced in October that he is to step down as Doctor Who, after the filming of four special episodes next year.

He revealed the news after claiming the outstanding drama performance prize at the National Television Awards (NTAs).

"When Doctor Who returns in 2010 it won't be with me," he said.

"Now don't make me cry," he added. "I love this part, and I love this show so much that if I don't take a deep breath and move on now I never will, and you'll be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair."