Winona Ryder cancels appearances after bereavement

Hollywood actress Winona Ryder has cancelled a planned trip to Northern Ireland following the death of a close friend.

The Edward Scissorhands star had been due to make an appearance at a special literary festival honouring the works of playwright/novellist Samuel Beckett, but has now axed her slot.

Organisers of The Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, which kicks off on 22 August (13), have revealed Ryder's cancellation is due to a bereavement.

Festival director Sean Doran says, "I heard from Winona last night that she had just lost a dear friend and would not now be able to come... She was very apologetic and saddened at not being able to come as planned as she had been very much looking forward to taking part... She told me she hopes to come next year instead... All our thoughts are with her at this very sad time."