Star Leaves to Battle Cancer

Spartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield will leave the series to fight a recurrence of cancer that needs aggressive treatment.

Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma earlier this year and declared cancer-free after receiving treatment in July.

According to a statement from Whitfield reported on PerezHilton.com, "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. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey."