Actor Martin Shaw set for stage comeback

Shaw plays the title role in BBC crime drama Inspector George Gently

Judge John Deed star Martin Shaw is set to return to the play he was forced to withdraw from earlier this week.

The 65-year-old will resume his role in The Country Girl in Milton Keynes on Monday after falling ill during last Wednesday's matinee in Shrewsbury.

That performance was completed by an understudy after Shaw had to retire.

His agent said the former Professionals star was taking antibiotics for a severe chest infection after suffering cracked ribs.

Shaw said the infection had "got the better of me" before the medication had had time to take effect.

"I am so glad to be back treading the boards again," he said.

"In all my 45 years on stage being taken ill during a performance was a first for me, and one I certainly do not wish to repeat.

The Country Girl, by Clifford Odets, is currently touring the UK before transferring to the West End in October.

Shaw's co-star in the play is Jenny Seagrove, with whom he also appeared in Judge John Deed, the BBC legal drama.

Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly starred in the 1954 film version, which won the latter an Academy Award.

Shaw's agent said the actor had only taken to the stage on Wednesday afternoon because "he didn't want to let his fans down".

Shaw, who rose to fame in TV series The Professionals, currently plays the title role in crime drama Inspector George Gently.