Brian Blessed has withdrawn from the production of King Lear at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford due to ill health.

Blessed collapsed during one of the early performances of the show, and has now been advised by his doctor not to continue in the role.

The sold-out production marked Blessed’s first stage performance as Lear – and the first time he has appeared on stage opposite his daughter Rosalind, who plays Goneril. Terence Wilton, who recently starred in James Dacre’s production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, will take over the lead role.

King Lear, directed by Caroline Devlin, runs until 14 February 2015.