Goody forced to drop out of panto

Goody flew back to the UK from India as soon as she learned she had cancer

Reality TV star Jade Goody has been forced to cut short her pantomime run in Lincoln to recover from surgery for a blocked kidney.

The 27-year-old, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer, was released from the production of Snow White over "concerns for her health and recovery".

The city's Theatre Royal said she had been "a real asset to the production" and possessed "guts and determination".

Goody had a hysterectomy in September following a cervical cancer diagnosis.

'Speedy recovery'

The mother of two was taking part in the Indian version of Big Brother in August when she was told she had the disease.

The subsequent eight-hour operation was said to have been a success, and was followed by a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Tests revealed that the disease had not spread to other parts of her body.

Goody, who was playing the Wicked Queen in the show, "will be missed by the whole company", said a statement from the Theatre Royal.

"We wish her a speedy and long-lasting recovery and would hope that some time in the future we may have her back on stage in another production," it continued.

The pantomime is due to run until 24 January.