Filming of 24 shut down as Kiefer Sutherland undergoes surgery

Filming of crime thriller 24 has been temporarily shut down so that its star and executive producer Kiefer Sutherland can undergo surgery.

Surgery: Kiefer Sutherland hopes to return to work soon

Twentieth Century Fox Television would not comment on the nature of Sutherland's ailment, referring to it only as "a medical procedure."

The Los Angeles Times first reported the production halt and says Sutherland suffered from a ruptured cyst.

About six more weeks of production time remains for the season. Fox says no disruption is expected in airing the episodes.

Shooting is expected to resume next week with the star's return.

The show is now in its eighth season and sees Sutherland playing counter-terrorist hero Jack Bauer.