Doctor Foster star Suranne Jones has apologised to fans for pulling out of her role in West End play Frozen following a mystery illness.
The actress’s portrayal of a mother whose daughter was kidnapped and murdered by a paedophile was hailed by critics.
But after a mystery illness the actress, 39, took her doctor’s advice and decided not to return to finish the play’s run, saying the subject matter was ‘highly draining’.
She wrote fans a long Instagram post to explain why she felt unable to fulfil the final four performances of Frozen.
Suranne explained to her followers: “I was taken off the matinee on Thursday half way through the show as I felt so dizzy when I was on stage and my wonderful understudy #roisinrae finished the show.
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“I came back after an illness and it was perhaps too soon… anyone who knows the show knows it is a highly draining piece and after 3 months and a sickness I just wasn’t able to end the run.
“I was so hoping to make it back for you all tonight but my doctor eventually said I shouldn’t put myself through it and risk getting ill again.
“SO GUTTED and SO SORRY to those I missed. This show has taken its toll on me and the subject matter was deeply affecting.”
Suranne’s performance as a grief-stricken mother was ‘riveting’ by one critic.
The actress wrote: “I’m certain it has contributed to my feeling under the weather. We as performers always think we can push through and carry on but sometimes we just can’t. I’m now going to take time out and rest…”
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Suranne shot to fame on Coronation Street, playing Karen McDonald for four years until 2004. Fans are hoping rumours she’ll return to the famed cobbles this year could be true.
She had the nation gripped as Doctor Foster and recently starred in the Sky Atlantic drama Save Me.
Suranne told fans after a short rest she’ll be returning to work on her next project, BBC drama Gentleman Jack. She’s playing 19th century aristocrat Anne Lister, who was known as the first modern lesbian.
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