SEVENTIES TV heart-throb David Soul has battled on in secret with a semi-paralysed right arm during his new play.

The star, who was catapulted to international fame in Starsky and Hutch, is touring the country in Mack and Mabel prior to a West End run.

And true to his tough guy image, Soul insisted the show - which is playing at Darlington Civic Theatre - must go on.

A publicist for Soul said last night that the show was rewritten to ensure that sell-out audiences did not notice the actor/singer was still suffering from the after-effects of a neck and shoulder operation at the end of last year.

She said: "We wouldn't like any publicity about David's arm to detract from the show, which has got a fabulous reception in Bath, Southampton and Edinburgh.

"To be honest, this is the first time anyone has spotted he has a problem with his arm.

"He would be irritated if attention shifted from his performance on stage and became gossip about him that just spirals."

Company manager James Ingram said: "Everyone in the show knew about the operation, which has left David with slightly damaged nerves, but he is on the mend.

"It is just taking a little longer than expected. Touring and appearing on stage has meant getting treatment is more difficult for him."

No details were available of why Soul - born David Solberg - required surgery.

His publicist said: "This is a private matter concerning David."

Soul, 62, has lived in the UK for ten years and is proud of his British citizenship.

The actor, still known worldwide as Ken Hutchinson from TV cop show Starsky and Hutch, has produced five albums and two hit singles.

It was the opportunity so sing the lead role of silent movie maker Mack Sennett in Mack and Mabel that tempted him away from controversial non-singing title role in West End show Jerry Springer the Opera.

His last major TV role came as a surgeon in BBC1's Holby City in 2001.

* Mack and Mabel runs at Darlington's Civic Theatre until Saturday. Further details from the box office on (01325) 486555.