TV 'Workaholic' Patrick Swayze

Aug 26, 2008, 10:00 GMT

11/17/2007 - Patrick Swayze - © PRN / PR Photos

Patrick Swayze has become a workaholic.

The 'Dirty Dancing' actor is putting in 12-hour days on the set of his new TV series 'The Beast', despite battling pancreatic cancer.

Swayze was diagnosed with the potentially fatal disease earlier this year, but appears to be making a remarkable recovery and has been throwing himself into his work.

'The Beast' producer Steven Pearl said: "Watching Patrick on set is like watching a great workhorse. Patrick gets his 5.30am call and any time we need him on set. He's there, and he's there until wrap 12 hours later. He has an incredible energy and leads by example."

Swayze, 56, has previously said of his recovery: "I'm doing really well. I feel really good. I've put on 20lbs. I should be dead right now. Look at me - I'm a miracle."

'Ghost' actor Swayze credits his recovery to pioneering Cyberknife radiotherapy at California's Stamford University Medical Center.

He has also been sticking to a strict diet of fruit and vegetables.

In 'The Beast', Swayze plays an unorthodox FBI agent being pursued by a secret Internal Affairs team. The show is set to air in the US next year.