X Factor star Alexandra Burke will make her professional West End debut this June when she takes over the role of pop diva Rachel Marron in Thea Sharrock’s hit musical The Bodyguard.
The three-time Brit Award nominee will begin her run as the huge-voiced star from 2 June, following in the critically acclaimed footsteps of fellow recording artist Beverley Knight to bring the hugely successful songs of Whitney Houston to the stage.
Burke, who followed her X Factor conquering performance with hit singles including Bad Boys and Start Without You, said: “I couldn’t be more excited about joining the cast of The Bodyguard and to play the iconic role of Rachel Marron will be a dream come true. I am a massive Whitney Houston fan so to be given the opportunity to play a role made famous by her every night will be a real privilege.
“I start rehearsals very soon with my fellow cast mates and the brilliant creative team and, with a little trepidation, I am looking forward to our first performance in June.”
Sharrock’s production, based on the 1992 Oscar nominated film of the same name, has been playing in the West End since 2012. Burke will have the chance to perform hit numbers including Queen Of The Night, Run To You and I Have Nothing in the musical thriller that tells the story of a pop star whose life comes under threat from a sinister stalker.
Tristan Gemmill will continue his role as the titular bodyguard and Burke’s on stage love interest. His current leading lady Knight will make her last appearance in the show on 31 May before departing to prepare for her next major West End role in the October-opening rock n roll musical Memphis.
The Bodyguard plays at the Adelphi Theatre until 30 August. It is followed at the venue by the musical stage adaptation of hit British film Made In Dagenham, starring Gemma Arterton.