Gemma Collins withdraws from cast of Chicago The Musical on tour

Reality star Gemma Collins has withdrawn from her planned run in Chicago The Musical on tour.

The media personality, who rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, was set to star as Mama Morton.

However a knee injury has forced her to step down from the production.

A spokesperson for the show told The Sun newspaper: “Gemma Collins’ management have informed the producers of Chicago she will no longer be appearing in the UK Tour of the show due to a knee injury.

“The Producers of Chicago wish Gemma all the best for the future.”

Gemma was meant to join the tour at the Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 31 May 2022, ahead of playing Cardiff New Theatre, Blackpool Winter Gardens, Sheffield Lyceum, Norwich Theatre Royal and New Theatre, Oxford.

Producer David Ian said previously: “We were completely stunned by Gemma’s audition for the role. She’s an undeniable force both on and off stage, and we can’t wait to see her portrayal of ‘Mama Morton’ on tour. Audiences across the country are in for a treat.”

Chicago tour tickets, dates & venues »

Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, Chicago is one of the world’s longest-running musicals on both Broadway and in the West End.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago tells the stories of prison cellmates Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they are defended on charges of murder by the city’s slickest criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs Razzle Dazzle, “Cell Block Tango, and All That Jazz.

The current tour cast also includes Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Jamie Baughan as Amos Hart and B.E. Wong as Mary Sunshine.

Meanwhile over in New York, Pamela Anderson was recently announced to be joining the Broadway company.

Anderson will star in the role of Roxie Hart from 12 April to 5 June 2022 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.