Acclaimed actor Brian Bedford has had to withdraw from an upcoming Toronto production of “The Last Confession” due to illness.

Mirvish Productions says the veteran of the Stratford Festival has been advised by his doctors not to continue in the production at this time.

A statement does not elaborate on the nature of Bedford’s illness but says the 78-year-old is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

Richard O’Callaghan will replace Bedford as Pope John Paul 1st in the show, which launches a world tour April 19th at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre – and then continues to Los Angeles and across Australia.

O’Callaghan created the leading role in the London production of “The Last Confession.”