Kimberley Walsh replaces Amanda Holden in Shrek 5 Oct

Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh takes over the role of 'Princess Fiona' from Amanda Holden in Shrek The Musical, from 5 Oct 2011.

Amanda Holden is leaving the show early, following the announcement of her pregnancy.

Kimberley Walsh is a member of pop group, Girls Aloud. "Kimberley's love of musical theatre was explored in the ITV2 documentary The Passions of Girls Aloud which culminated in her appearance at the Queens Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue singing On My Own, in the role of Eponine, in Les Miserables. This was the realisation of a life-long dream, having played the role of Young Cosette in a production of Les Miserables when she was twelve years old."

Shrek The Musical opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 14 June 2011, following previews from 6 May , to mixed notices from the popular press: "Likeable mixture of wit and humanity" (Telegraph); "Lacks memorable tunes" (Guardian); "Energetically amusing" (Daily Mail).

It has book & lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori. Based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek! and the feature film Shrek.

It is directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, designs & costumes by Tim Hatley, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, choreography by Josh Prince, sound by Peter Hylenski. Produced by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.

Tells the story, of the swamp-dwelling ogre who, in a faraway kingdom, embarks on a life-changing adventure in order to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey who won't shut up, this unlikely hero - not a handsome prince - fights a fearsome dragon, rescues the feisty Princess Fiona and learns that real friendship and true love aren't only found in fairy tales.