TV Guide Online had the following Q&A about Andy's health and Gods of the Arena:

Question: With the new prequel of Spartacus starting soon on Starz, what is the status on Andy Whitfield and will he return, and if not, who will fill his shoes? Please tell me the show will go on! — Scott

Matt Roush: Last week, Starz confirmed the second season of Spartacus is a definite go later this year. But Andy Whitfield, unfortunately, is still fighting cancer (no updates on his condition, which is being kept a private matter for now) and he will not be a part of it. They appear to be close to recasting the title role, but until then, we'll have to settle for the Gods of the Arena prequel (which starts a week from Friday). I've seen two hours so far, and it's fun to see John Hannan and Lucy Lawless chewing the scenery (and each other) again, along with other characters from the first season at earlier stages in their gladiator history. The biggest problem is that the star gladiator Gannicus is, to put it mildly, no Spartacus. Which serves as a reminder to how difficult it will be to fill Whitfield's sandles.

AUSXIP Reporter: Lori Boyles