Sutherland forced to halt '24' filming

24 has been forced to halt filming after Kiefer Sutherland suffered a ruptured cyst.

The cyst near Sutherland's kidney reportedly ruptured earlier this week, but production continued until Friday without him.

The actor, who plays Jack Bauer in the drama, is now preparing to have minor surgery. However, filming on the show is expected to begin again within a week.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Sutherland's publicist said: "While Kiefer Sutherland is frustrated to miss even one day of work, he and Fox decided together that it would be best to complete this minor elective procedure now as a precaution as opposed to six weeks from now when production wraps. He looks forward to returning to work next week."

Meanwhile, in a statement Fox said that they support Sutherland's decision to take a break.

"We are temporarily suspending production of 24 while our friend and colleague Kiefer Sutherland undergoes a medical procedure," the network said.

"We hope to resume production shortly and do not anticipate any disruption in the broadcast of this season's episodes."