for andy personally the following is sad news. for us not quite as sad but it's a shame that one of the most innovative series of the past season is now gone. but most importantly we wish mr. whitfield well and much luck in his battle with cancer.
'Spartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield is bowing out of the second season of the hit Starz show because his cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, has returned and requires aggressive treatment. "It's with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus and all the wonderful people involved," Whitfield, 36, said in a statement. "It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far." The future of the series -- season 2 had tentatively been set to air next September -- is uncertain. Starz still plans to premiere the series' prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, this January.'
