Chicago - U.K. Tour

Are they likely to dig out a new name/stunt cast to try and pacify those who had booked for GC, do we think? I'd have thought they would if they're sensible, but if they were sensible they wouldn't have cast her in the first place...!

I love how they cite her “travelling across the country” as being an issue for her knee when she completed her own solo UK Tour a few weeks ago (which probably would’ve been a more gruelling schedule than 1 travelling day each week).

Genuine question, but do people book on the strength of Sinitta's name? I wouldn't have thought so but what do I know. I book on the promise of no stunt casts...

(Call me cynical, but)  I hate to say it.......

Though not in so much pain that she couldn't walk around the Chelsea Flower Show or go the launch of her new clothing line yesterday.

Maybe the whole thing was a massive PR stunt and she was never really going to be in it.

Ah yes. Her knee injury.

Kim has done panto and doesn't take hersekf as seriously as GC does but at 80 would be a bit old for the role but the idea is fun. I'd guess they try to get Sinitta back or extend Sheila Ferguson or just give the U/S a run. The show has several other names in it so no need for stunt casting.

I don't think any producer would take a punt on her - in recent weeks she's been filming herself going in and out of hospital, diagnosing herself.

I mean I honestly can't say I'm entirely surprised, but I thought she'd at least make it to opening night.

To give her the benefit of the doubt, ok maybe it's her knee. But there is a precedent that has been set by actors who have dropped out of shows beyond their ability with the excuse of an injury.

I honestly just can't see her adapting in any way to theatre discipline or the lifestyle it entails.

I guess one way to look at it is at least Gemma is bowing out with her knee injury and not getting fans hopes up of seeing her in the show when she ends up having to miss a majority of performances. She can at least admit she isn’t up to the job at the moment.

I’d be more upset if it turned into a cabaret situation where you turn up to the theatre excited to see a particular performer that’s been widely advertised, only to find out she’s called in sick again, and never being able to predict her appearances, especially if they’re few and far between.

What I don’t like is the fact that neither Gemma nor the Chicago social media accounts have actually posted anything about her departure from the role. Yes it’s not the best publicity but just ignoring it and letting people find out via things like the Daily Mail and twitter seems worse to be honest, it would be courteous to audiences to issue a statement across all their social media accounts. They’ve managed to quietly change the website! Not surprising from Gemma though, I guess she’ll probably just never mention it again! She’s actively posting about other stuff today, including some insta-stories of her having treatment for her knee…