Friends worry over walkout

Caroline Aherne has walked out on a new TV sitcom.

She had written Early Doors for BBC2 with Royle Family co-star Craig Cash, and had been expected to direct the show.

But the star, who has previously overcome depression, quit the project without notice.

A source told the Daily Mirror: "It's not really clear exactly why she left but it appears to be personal reasons.

"It's a big old production, quite expensive, and at the moment they're saying it's suspended. They hope to start up again in the New Year, but who knows?"

A friend said the news was "worrying" because Aherne lives "a fragile existance".

The BBC said: "Caroline Aherne has been helping to develop scripts with Craig Cash for a BBC2 series.

"The first draft has been completed and her involvement has now ended."

Aherne vowed not to perform in front of the cameras again because she felt hounded by the press.

Her last series, the Australia based Dossa And Joe, was critically acclaimed but performed badly in the ratings.

Published: 1 Oct 2002