Vanessa Williams takes short break from 'The Devil Wears Prada' following bereavement

During Vanessa Williams's absence from the show, the role of Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly will be played by alternate Debbie Kurup.

Vanessa Williams will step back from performances of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End for one week, following a family bereavement, which was shared on the star's social media account last night.

She will not be performing in the show from 8-15 January inclusive, returning on 16 January. During this time, the role of Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly will be played by alternate Debbie Kurup.

On her personal Instagram account, the Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives actor said: "On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame. Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

"It’s impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few."

The statement released by the show reads: “Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8 to Wednesday 15 January. During this time, the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup. Vanessa will return to The Devil Wears Prada from Thursday 16 January.”

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Photo credit: Vanessa Williams with Matt Henry in The Devil Wears Prada. (Photo by Matt Crockett)