Brian Blessed Withdraws From KING LEAR Due To Illness

Brian Blessed has had to withdraw from his role as King Lear at Holy Trinity Church Guildford. This is the first time he has played King Lear on stage and the first time he has performed on stage with his daughter Rosalind Blessed who plays Goneril, one of Lear's daughters. The sold-out season opened on 17 January and runs until 14 February 2015. Brian Blessed has played 11 performances.

As previously reported, Blessed collapsed onstage during one of the play's performances earlier this month but returned to finish the show.

Brian Blessed's agent said in a statement: "Mr Blessed's heart condition is more serious than he was aware. On the advice of his specialist, and with a broken heart, Brian has therefore been compelled to withdraw from the production of which he is so proud.

"He is immensely grateful for the support he has received from The Guildford Shakespeare Company. Mr Blessed will be making no further comment at this time."