Jerry Hall took the role of Mother Lord at Shaftesbury Theatre

The Texan-born model and actress has been absent from her role as Mother Lord at the Shaftesbury Theatre for more than a week.

Ms Hall said: "My doctor has said that I must have a period of complete rest, but that I may be able to return to the production in the future".

She received some unfavourable reviews when the musical opened last month.

Ms Hall added that she first became ill with glandular fever last year.

In October 2004, the ex-wife of singer Mick Jagger pulled out of the one-woman show My Darlin' Janey because of the virus.

She had been signed for the play about Calamity Jane, a character made famous by Doris Day in the 1953 film.

However, Ms Hall said was determined to return to her role in Cole Porter's High Society before the end of its run.

She added it was with "great sadness" that she had to leave the cast.

'Wonderful experience'

"I have had such a wonderful experience with a great cast and I wish them all the very best," she said.

High Society's producers said they were sorry she had to leave the show.

"We wish her a speedy recovery and hope that we may see her back with us in the New Year.

"Despite this, the show is in great health and the understudy Ali McInnes will be performing in Jerry's place."

Ms Hall's previous stage roles have included Mrs Robinson in The Graduate and appearances in Bus Stop and the Play What I Wrote.

In February 2004, she set a new world record by appearing in six West End musicals in one night.