Actor Kenny Ireland battling cancer

Los Angeles, June 24 (IANS) Veteran Scottish actor Kenny Ireland has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 68 year old's character has been written out of hit Tv comedy "Benidorm" so he can undergo treatment for the disease, reports contactmusic.com.

"The diagnosis was crushing for Kenny and his family. This is obviously a very difficult time for them and they are coping as best they can," said a source.

"The priority is Kenny's health. As soon as he was given the news he pulled out of the latest series of Benidorm which, of course, everyone understood," the source added.

Ireland has been a part of the cast since the show debuted in 2007. He has also appeared in TV series such as "Auf Wiedersehen", "Pet" and the original British version of "House of Cards."