X Factor winner Alexandra Burke is to take over the role of Rachel Marron from current leading lady Beverley Knight on 2 June 2014. The Bodyguard is due to close at the Adelphi Theatre on 30 August 2014, but Burke will play the role right up to the final performance.
Burke will be making her West End debut as she joins the shows current leading man Tristan Gemmill who will continue to play Frank Farmer, the role made so iconic by Kevin Costner in the blockbuster film version.
Alexandra Burke found fame after being crowned the winner of the fifth series of The X Factor back in 2008. Since the competition, she has released two albums, with a third in the pipeline, and had several hit number one singles. On the announcement of her new role Burke said, ‘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.’
Burke will be singing some of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including ‘One Moment in Time’, ‘Saving All My Love’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and the world famous classic ‘I Will Always Love You’.
There are also reports circulating that the production will have an extended life as a major UK tour opening next year.
It has been announced that Oliver award-winning actor Ruthie Henshall will join the cast of Billy Elliot to play dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson. Henshall’s first performance will be on 12 May 2014, nine years to the day since Billy Elliot the Musical officially opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre. 