Goodrem takes Neighbours break

Goodrem had a number one album in Australia

Neighbours actress and pop singer Delta Goodrem is to leave the Australian soap temporarily to continue her battle against cancer.

Goodrem, 18, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, a treatable form of lymphatic cancer, following tests last month.

Neighbours script producer Luke Devenish said: "We've written her out."

"She had to concentrate on her health, so there was no getting around it. There was absolutely no question of attempting to keep her working."

Her character, Nina Tucker, will be seen on Australian television screens until October.

UK fans will see her departure five weeks later, as the soap screened slightly later than the Australian schedule.

The script will allow for Goodrem's return sometime next year, depending on how much time she needs to recover.

Hodgkin's disease starts in the lymphatic tissue which stores infection-fighting white blood cells.

Goodrem is undergoing chemotherapy to fight the illness, which will be followed by a course of radiation.

She has had two UK top 10 hits this year, Born To Try and Lost Without You.

In a message to fans on her website, the star tells them she is optimistic.

"All being well, I will be out and about in no time, and hope to keep achieving some of my goals throughout my treatment," she said.

Goodrem has told organisers of the Aria (Australian Record Industry Association) Chart Awards 2003 that she would love to be at the event in Sydney on 4 August if she is well enough.

She will be honoured for her three number one singles and a number one album in Australia.