Neeson withdraws from Exorcist film

Liam Neeson has finally had to withdraw from the ill-fated Exorcist - The Beginning, a film dogged by delays and directorial changes.

The Ballymena-born actor was down to play the priestly role in a prequel to the horror classic but the timing clashed with his next scheduled film, Love Actually. He will be replaced on Exorcist by Swedish star Stellan Skarsgard.