Report: 'Spartacus' lead to be re-cast

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable network Starz is trying to replace its "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" lead Andy Whitfield, who is battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Zap2it.com said.

Whitfield left the series after one season to focus on his health, leaving the fate of the period drama series unclear.

Zap2it.com said the network's executives considered canceling the show, but then decided to post a casting notice for the title role of Spartacus so the series could continue into its planned second season.