Former ‘Sex and the City’ star Kim Cattrall has been forced to withdraw from a West End theatrical production at the last minute, having been advised to do so by her doctors.

The Royal Court Theatre had been expected to unveil its new production of Penelope Skinner’s ‘Linda’ with preview performances in just seven days time, with Cattrall in the title role. However, due to an undisclosed medical complaint, the 59 year old Liverpool-born actress has dropped out.

Kim CattrallKim Cattrall had been due to star in 'Linda'

She will be replaced by Noma Dumezweni, who won an Olivier Award for her supporting role in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ in 2006, who joins the rehearsals with just six days to go before the first performances on November 26th.

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Cattrall gave a statement to the Royal Court Theatre's website: “With great sadness and at the advice of my doctors, I will not be able to continue with the Royal Court’s production of Linda. I appreciate all the support I have received from the theatre and cannot thank them enough for allowing me to put my health first.”

It was to have been a familiar role for Cattrall, as her part in ‘Linda’ concerns a successful businesswoman who has neglected her personal life, similar to the role she played in ‘Sensitive Skin’ earlier in 2015. She made news headlines when she addressed these themes on BBC Radio 4, objecting to the loaded term ‘childless’.

Royal Court’s artistic director Vicky Featherstone also gave a reaction: “We are all deeply sorry that Kim is unable to continue with the production and she has our warmest wishes. We are extremely grateful and also thrilled that Noma Dumezweni, one of our most brilliant actors, has agreed to take on this challenge at such short notice. We are delighted that in spite of these difficulties Penelope Skinner’s important play can open to our audiences with minimal disruption.”

More: ‘Sex and the City’ star Kim Cattrall returning to London stage in ‘Linda’