Alexandra Burke joins The Bodyguard from 2 June 2014

Three-time Brit nominee and winner of the fifth series of The X Factor Alexandra Burke will join the West End cast of The Bodyguard in the lead role of Rachel Marron from 2 Jun 2014. Burke will take over the role from Beverley Knight in the Olivier nominated musical, which is currently booking until 30 Aug 2014 at the Adelphi Theatre.

Burke's debut number one single 'Hallelujah' sold over one million copies in the UK - a first for a British female soloist. Her first album, 'Overcome' saw the release of her subsequent number one singles "Bad Boys" and "Start Without You".

The role of Rachel Marron was originally played by Whitney Houston in the 1992 film of the same name. Broadway star Heather Headley created the role in the West End when it opened at the Adelphi Theatre on 5 Dec 2012.

Alexandra Burke said of the news: "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."

The Bodyguard is directed by Thea Sharrock and has a book by Alex Dinelaris. Designs are by Tim Hatley, with lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Richard Brooker and video designs by Duncan McLean. Choreography is by Arthur Pita, orchestrations by Chris Egan with musical supervision by Mike Dixon. The Bodyguard is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.