Tennant to miss 'Hamlet' for surgery

David Tennant has been forced to miss his remaining Hamlet performances until Christmas with a back injury.

The Doctor Who actor will undergo surgery for the slipped disc on Thursday. The Royal Shakespeare Company confirmed that understudy Edward Bennett will take over the role at the Novello Threatre until Christmas.

Tennant, 37, revealed that it would have been too hard to continue performing with the problem, saying: "My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery.

"I want to get back on stage as quickly as possible and I am very grateful to Ed who has courageously got to grips with the role but in a much shorter time. It's a fantastic achievement."

Tennant is expected to return to the stage before the production ends its run on January 10.

> Tennant's replacement receives ovation