PATRICK SWAYZE has suffered a cancer setback and has checked himself into hospital after coming down with pneumonia.

Just two days after his first post-diagnosis interview with broadcaster Barbara Walters aired on US TV, the actor was forced to scrap a Los Angeles press conference on Friday, where he had hoped to talk about his new show The Beast.

Explaining his absence, A&E cable network president Robert DeBitetto revealed the 56 year old was under observation in a California clinic.

DeBitetto, who was praised for keeping Swayze in The Beast series, despite his public battle with pancreatic cancer, told reporters, "I just spoke with
Patrick Swayze. He checked himself into the hospital this morning for observation after coming down with pneumonia.

"Anyone who has had chemotherapy will know the toll it takes on the immune system. Illnesses are unavoidable. Patrick is very sorry to be unable to attend and promises to promote the Beast when he is back on his feet. He thanks everyone for the outpouring of support."

An unnamed producer on The Beast told a press conference: "For him, it's a bump in the road. We're all wishing him well."

Swayze's co-star Travis Fimmel added, "He's fearless, an icon. I can't say enough good things about the guy."

The Beast premieres in America on January 15th.