Tennant back on stage as Hamlet

LONDON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Scottish actor David Tennant has returned to the London stage production of "Hamlet" after undergoing back surgery, the BBC said.

The outgoing "Doctor Who" actor headlined the Royal Shakespeare Co.'s production of "Hamlet" in Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer and was slated to continue starring in the drama when it moved to the West End last month. However, he was forced to drop out of the play before opening night in London to have surgery for a slipped disc in his back.

The RSC told the BBC that Tennant's appearances would be determined on a "day by day" basis and theatergoers should consult the play's Web site for updates.

The show is scheduled to run at the Novello Theatre through Saturday.

Tennant is expected to start shooting a "Doctor Who" television special later this month. The actor announced last year that he was leaving the science-fiction show after he wraps several specials set to air in 2009. He became the 10th actor to play the role of the doctor in 2005.

Matt Smith has been hired to take over the role from Tennant in 2010.