Tim Healy - who plays Lesley in ITV’s Benidorm - was in Spain filming the eighth series of the popular show when he was struck down by a mystery illness.
The 64-year-old was in a clinic in Spain for almost a month, even “fighting for his life” at one point.
When his condition has stabilised, Tim was airlifted to a hospital in Manchester where he is now said to be recovering from his mystery condition.
The star had managed to film four episodes of the upcoming series, but a source has now told The Sun that he won't be returning to complete filming in order to ensure a full recovery.
They said: “Bosses have been forced to write Tim out to give him a chance to get well.
“He filmed four episodes in all, which is less than half of the series.”
Speaking to The Mirror last week, a source said: "Tim has been in a bad way for a while and had to pull out of filming Benidorm.
“He was in hospital for three and a half weeks, and at one point he was fighting for his life.”
They continued to explain that his wife, Joan, had been keeping a bedside vigil - and it is believed that Loose Women’s Denise Welch, who was formerly married to Tim, also flew out to Spain to see him.
They explained: “He was flown to Manchester on Saturday and his condition has improved. His wife Joan has been by his side throughout the ordeal.
"He's still in hospital but is making progress. The doctors are keeping a constant eye on him."
An ITV source said that Benidorm filming schedules have been adjusted to accommodate for Tim’s absence.
They added: "Everyone on Benidorm, both cast and crew, just wants him to rest up and recover well in his own time."
This is the second time that Tim has fallen ill while filming for the hugely popular ITV show, which is set in a fictional hotel at the Spanish resort.
In 2011, he was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery when doctors diagnosed him with intermittent claudication.
The actor - who has smoked since the age of 11 - was found to have blocked arteries down both of his legs.
Doctors advised him to stop smoking.
Fans have taken to Twitter to send Tim their own messages of support.
The actor shot to fame when he played builder Dennis Patterson in the hit 1980s comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
He has played transvestite Les / Lesley on Benidorm since 2010, proving to be VERY popular with fans of the show.
We wish him a speedy recovery.