Sarah Lancashire replaced by Tamsin Greig in Labour of Love

Sarah Lancashire will no longer star in James Graham's upcoming new play Labour of Love.

The actress has withdrawn from Labour of Love 'on doctor's advice' and Tamsin Greig will play the role of Jean Whittaker alongside Martin Freeman. The production will now open on the 3 October, a week later than originally planned.

It was announced Lancashire would star in the piece in May this year. Greig has just finished performing in the National Theatre's production of Twelfth Night.

The rest of the cast include Rachael Stirling (Elizabeth Lyons), Kwong Loke (Mr Shen), Dickon Tyrrell (Len Prior) and Susan Wokoma (Margot Midler).

The piece follows Labour MP David Lyons (Freeman) and his constituency agent Jean Whittaker (Greig) as they clash in the party's northern heartlands. Labour of Love covers the backdrop of the Labour party over 25 years. Jeremy Herrin directs the play which opens in previews from 27 September.

The Michael Grandage Company production will offer 20,000 tickets at £10 over the entire run.

Labour of Love runs at the Noel Coward Theatre from 3 October to 2 December, with previews from 27 September.