"MISERABLE DAVID TENNANT TAKES HIS FIRST STEPS TO RECOVERY AFTER BACK SURGERY

Dec 17, 2008 Author: admin | Filed under: Celebrity News

Doctor Who star David Tennant has emerged for the first time since undergoing surgery to correct a back problem.

The 37-year-old looked the picture of misery as he took in some gentle exercise by walking to his local Post Office in East London.

Tennant, who is recovering after an operation for a slipped disc last week, was forced to temporarily pull out of his role as Hamlet in a Royal Shakespeare Company production due to the injury and is desperate to return to the stage ‘as quickly as possible’.

Wearing jeans, a multi-coloured scarf and black glasses, the Scottish actor bore more than a passing resemblance to fictional wizard Harry Potter.

Last week he said that his enforced absence from the critically acclaimed performance was ‘hugely disappointing’ and praised his understudy Edward Bennett, who stepped into the role just hours before opening night.

‘My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery.

‘I want to get back on stage as quickly as possible and I am very grateful to Ed who has courageously got to grips with the role but in a much shorter time. It’s a fantastic achievement.’

Previews of the play started on December 3 at London’s Novello Theatre.

It is understood that Tennant struggled along with the back pain - which has been a long standing condition - because he did not want to let audiences down.

His huge popularity as Doctor Who meant that the show, which runs until January 10 was sold out.

He was forced to pull out two weeks ago because his condition deteriorated.

Later, a spokesman for the Royal Shakespeare Company confirmed the actor would not return to the stage ‘before Christmas’.

Tennant recently revealed that he was quitting his role as Dr Who at the end of next year, ending months of speculation over his future.

‘I’ve had the most brilliant, bewildering and life-changing time working on Doctor Who. I have loved every day of it,’ he said at the National Television Awards.

‘I feel very privileged to have been part of this incredible phenomenon, and whilst I’m looking forward to new challenges I know I’ll always be very proud to be the Tenth Doctor.’