Denise Van Outen

Denise Van Outen delays return to Chicago due to injury

Will Longman
Will Longman

Denise Van Outen has been forced to pull out of her scheduled run in Chicago in the West End after it was discovered she had suffered a stress fracture in her heel on the first day of rehearsals.

The actress, who starred as Roxie Hart in the musical in 2001, was scheduled to appear in the role of Velma Kelly from 24th September to 17th November.

According to a statement, new dates for Denise's return to the show will be announced shortly, as will her replacement in the show.

On Twitter, Van Outen said apologised to fans, adding that she sustained the injury training for the role. 

Van Outen was set to take on the role of Velma at the Phoenix Theatre, appearing alongside Alexandra Burke and Duncan James in the musical.

The actress first appeared in the musical when it was playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London in April 2001, starring as Roxie Hart. She then took on the role again on Broadway, before reprising it in London in April 2002.

Chicago is scheduled to run at the Phoenix Theatre until 5th January, before Broadway musical Come From Away gets its West End premiere at the theatre.

Chicago is at the Phoenix Theatre until 5th January.

Chicago tickets are available now.

Originally published on

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