ANDY WHITFIELD LOSES HIS BATTLE WITH CANCER

It was confirmed today that Actor Andy Whitfield 39, star of the TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma losing his 18-month battle with the disease. Whitfield’s wife Vashti paid an emotional tribute to her husband, saying: ‘On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer. ‘He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. ‘He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.’