Kim Cattrall drops out of Linda play 'at the advice of her doctors'

Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall has withdrawn from the Royal Court Theatre's production of Linda.

The Liverpool-born actress was due to take the title role in the play about a career woman whose seemingly perfect life starts to crumble.

Commenting on her withdrawal, 59-year-old Cattrall said: "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."

Cattrall played Samantha Jones in the hit US show, which starred Sarah Jessica Parker alongside Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon.

The star is no stranger to the London stage having starred in Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird Of Youth in the West End.

Royal Court Theatre Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone said: "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."

Performances with Olivier Award winner Dumezweni begin on November 26. The press night is scheduled for December 1.