The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) star Gemma Collins is set to make her theatre debut as she joins the cast of Chicago for its UK and Ireland tour.
The 41-year-old reality start will take on the character of Mama Morton, after taking over the role from singer Sheila Ferguson, kicking off at the Sunderland Empire from 31 May.
Who Is Gemma Collins?
The TV personality found fame when she landed a major role on the second series of The Only Way Is Essex, in 2011. However, that wasn’t her first rodeo with theatre and television, in fact she grew up in Romford and attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, where the likes of Amy Winehouse and Rita Ora also studied.
Her first appearance on television was actually in the 2000 ITV documentary Snobs – this show focused on people who believed they were a different class. Collins also appeared on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice.
What we Know about the Chicago tour:
Collins’ character was played by Queen Latifah in the Oscar-winning film adaptation of the musical and she will join the previously announced cast of Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Jamie Baughan as Amos Hart and B.E. Wong as Mary Sunshine, while the role of Billy Flynn will be announced soon.
After her stage debut in Sunderland on May 31, Collins will perform at the Cardiff New Theatre, the Blackpool Winter Gardens, Sheffield Lyceum, Norwich Theatre Royal and New Theatre, Oxford.
Producer David Ian said they were “were completely stunned” by her audition. He said: ‘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.’