Tennant back on stage as Hamlet

Tennant said it had been "impossible to carry on without surgery"

Actor David Tennant has returned to the lead role of Hamlet on the London stage after undergoing back surgery.

Tennant, who is quitting Doctor Who, received an ovation along with his fellow actors, the Royal Shakespeare Company said.

But they added his return would be assessed on a "day by day" basis and theatre-goers are advised to check the website for updates.

The 37-year-old's run at the Novello Theatre is due to finish on 10 January.

Tennant's understudy Edward Bennett, who played Hamlet during his absence, has resumed his role as Laertes.

Bennett received standing ovations when he initially assumed the lead, but mixed reviews from critics.

Tennant paid tribute at the time, saying it was a "fantastic achievement" getting to grips with the part of Hamlet at short notice.

Sell-out

Tennant had an operation for a slipped disc in December, and said his enforced absence from the play was "hugely disappointing".

"My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery," he said last month.

Edward Bennett has returned to his original role

He played Hamlet 60 times in Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer ahead of the production's London transfer.

Tickets for the London shows sold out within three hours when they went on sale in September.

Tennant is due to begin filming scenes for a Doctor Who special later this month.

Matt Smith has been unveiled as the next actor to take on the role, and will be seen on screens from 2010.