FORMER Doctor Who star Colin Baker has had to pull out of a run of performances at Malvern Theatres next week after he lost his voice.

The popular actor came down with a chest infection and lost his voice leaving him unable to perform in play Mog Bridges.

Malvern Theatres writer in residence Nick Wilkes, wrote the play to raise much-needed funds for the theatre.

But determined the show must go on, he has found a last minute replacement, Peter Nolan.

Mr Wilkes said: “The reason for featuring the play is because the theatres do not have any funding from the Arts Council and co me new year no council funding either.

“It would be a tremendous shame if this performance would have fallen because of its star being unable to perform.”

Main character James Bridges, who served overseas in the army for many years, missing his children growing up, will now be played by Mr Nolan, who Mr Wilkes knew from his time at the Bristol Old Vic.

“Peter is a fantastic actor and will be ready to go on stage when the curtain goes up,” Mr Wilkes added.

The story will see how character James returns divorced and estranged from his family, reaches his 70th birthday only to be told by his son that his daughter, Mog, is getting married, but is it too late to build bridges?

The play runs from Tuesday, July 15, to Saturday, July 19.

Shows start from 7.30pm with matinee performances taking place on Wednesday and Saturday starting at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost between £10.64 and £25.20 and are available by visiting malvern-theatres.co.uk or calling the Malvern Theatres Box Office on 01684 892277.