'Carter' to take a break from ER

Noah Wyle, who has portrayed the increasingly moody Dr John Carter on ER ever since the hit television series started, is taking a break.

A publicist for the medical drama confirmed to TV Guide that Wyle will be in the first two episodes of next season and “then there will be an absence“.

A spokesman for the actor said he wanted to spend more time with his wife Tracy and their nine-month-old son Owen. “That’s something he has discussed with the producers for some time,” he said. “But he’s not leaving.”