Actress Barbara Windsor has withdrawn from the pantomime Cinderella due to start in Nottingham at the end of this year.
Her agent cited a serious strain of glandular fever as the reason.
Windsor rose to fame in the Carry On films and now plays one of EastEnders' best-known characters, Peggy Mitchell.
She was to play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.
Her manager, Barry Burnett, said Windsor was suffering the Epstein Barr strain of glandular fever.
"Unfortunately there is no known treatement for it other than rest."
In a statement, the pantomime's producers said they were "extremely disappointed" Windsor would not be available.
New line-up
"Both the theatre and the producers wish to offer a sincere apology for any disappointment that this news may cause to the public.
"Barbara has stated that as soon as she is fit and well again, she wishes to return to the Theatre Royal in the future."
The Theatre Royal panto season will start on 13 December and run until January.
A new cast line-up will be announced soon.
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