Charlie Lawson pulled out of ‘Rebus’ for a second consecutive performance last night.
The Coronation Street actor had to withdraw from his titular role as Inspector Rebus midway through the play’s opening night on Monday, and he missed out on last night’s showing at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre, too.
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According to The Scotsman newspaper, Charlie was replaced for a second night by understudy Neil McKinven, and he is said to have undergone medical tests following his stage departure on Monday.
It’s not yet known if the actor – who plays Jim McDonald in the ITV soap – will be well enough to tread the boards in two performances on Wednesday.
Charlie also hinted he is “overworked” and “underpaid” after retweeting a message from a fan who wished him well.
The tweet read: “I hope you’re OK Charlie, I heard you took a wee bit of a turn, overworked-underpaid,take time out and put your feet up and watch the NH season, Get well soon mate here’s some pics of your fav horse. Florida Pearl (sic)”
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The Corrie star had to withdraw from the opening night when he appeared to forget his lines and then said sorry to the audience and announced he was feeling faint.
Author Ian Rankin, who created the Inspector Rebus book series, was in attendance at the sold out theatre to watch the opening performance, and admitted Charlie put on a “very good Scottish accent”.
He also confirmed he had fallen ill during his performance, and praised “heroic” understudy Neil.
Ian wrote on Twitter: “He took ill. Understudy stepped in and was heroic.
“Waiting to hear news. (sic)”
Charlie previously described his Rebus role as “a real challenge”, and said it “scared the crap” out of him.