Benidorm star Kenny Ireland has been written out of the show's current series, as he battles cancer.
The Scottish actor, who has played sex-mad swinger Donald Stewart on the Spanish-set ITV show since 2007, is being supported by his family as he undergoes treatment.
A show insider told The Sun: "The diagnosis was crushing for Kenny and his family. This is obviously a very difficult time for them and they are coping as best as they can.
"The priority is Kenny's health. As soon as he was given the news, he pulled out of the latest series of Benidorm which, of course, everyone understood."
The source added: "He has been a popular member of the cast for many years and the entire team's thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family."
The actor's spokesman has confirmed he will not be appearing in the latest series of Benidorm.
The 68-year-old, who also appeared in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, said his wife Meg originally put him forward for Benidorm.
After landing the role, he said: "If your wife gets you a job as a swinger, is she trying to tell you something?"
