“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” lead Andy Whitfield will not be back for a second season of Starz’ hit series. The 36-year-old actor’s ongoing battle with Stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma has forced him to step down as the show’s titular hero and continue aggressive treatment.

Whitfield says (via press release):

It’s with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far.

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted in January to over a million viewers, making it the Starz network’s most watched program. A second season of the Sam Raimi-produced series had been slated to air in September 2011.

Says Starz managing director Carmi Zlotnik:

Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family. We will address our programming plans at some later date.

Plans to premiere a six-part prequel series “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” in January remain on track. The new series follows the House of Batiatus as it struggles to make a name for itself. The show stars Australian actor Dustin Clare, “Dexter’s” Jaime Murray, and the very sexy Marisa Ramirez.

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” regulars Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, Peter Mensah, and Manu Bennett reprise their roles for the series. No word if Whitfield will appear in any of the episodes as previously reported.

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” arrives on DVD and Blu-ray on Sept. 21.