Denise Van Outen has been forced to withdraw from Chicago rehearsals due to injury, the show has announced.
A statement by the show reads: “On the day that Denise Van Outen was due to start rehearsals as ‘Velma Kelly’ in Chicago it was discovered that she had suffered a stress fracture in her heel. Denise will therefore no longer be playing the role from 24 September – 17 November 2018 and her replacement will be announced shortly.”
However, fans of the actress, TV presenter and performer will be comforted to learn that “New dates for Denise to return to the show will be announced soon.”
Denise was due to rejoin the cast of the worldwide hit musical from next week to play Velma, having previously played Roxie in the West End and on Broadway.
The Chicago cast currently stars Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Duncan James as Billy Flynn, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton, and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. The production is booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 5 January 2019.
Everyone at Official London Theatre would like to wish Denise a speedy recovery and a quick return to the stage.