Dame Julie Walters has been forced to pull out of her first TV drama in seven years due to back problems.
The veteran actress, 73, was to play one of the leads in Channel 4's Truelove, about two teenage sweethearts who reconnect decades later at a funeral and make a pact to engineer their own dignified deaths.
Filming on the project was paused last year due to Walters's health issues, but now she has withdrawn altogether and will be replaced by Lindsay Duncan.
A spokesperson for production company said: "We wholeheartedly support her decision, and the entire cast, crew and production team wish her the very best and a speedy recovery.
"We are delighted that Lindsay Duncan will be stepping into the role of Phil. We're excited to see what she brings to this complex and captivating character when we restart filming later this year."
Duncan said: "Truelove is so well written, exploring what we face when age becomes a factor. How do we want to live, die and love with the remaining years? It tells a compelling story with humanity and very dark humour."
Walters had semi-retired since being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018 - she is now in remission - but previously said that she had been tempted to take on the role in Truelove after being "completely bowled over by the writing".
The six-part drama had been due to air this year but could now be pushed back until 2024.
Neil Wilkes
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