Nicola Roberts has announced her withdrawal from the West End musical Hadestown, revealing she must undergo a minor surgical procedure on medical advice.
The 40-year-old Girls Aloud singer, currently five months pregnant with her first child, confirmed she would be unable to complete her final week of performances as Persephone at the Lyric Theatre.
In a statement released today, the former Girls Aloud singer sought to reassure concerned fans about her health.
“Today I have learnt that I have to undergo a small surgical procedure and have been informed by my doctor that as a result I will be unable to complete my final week of Hadestown shows. Everything is ok,” she said.
Nicola Roberts in Hadestown
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HADESTOWN
The popstar turned musical theatre sensation had been scheduled to conclude her run on January 18.
Ms Roberts’ stint in the award-winning production marked her return to the West End stage for the first time in more than five years.
The musical, featuring music, lyrics and book by Grammy-winning songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin and has been running at the Lyric Theatre on an open-ended basis since returning to British shores last year.
The production earned three WhatsOnStage Award nominations, with Melanie La Barrie winning for her performance.
Ms Roberts recently announced that they are expecting their first baby
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INSTAGRAMMs Roberts has been performing alongside Desmonda Cathabel as Eurydice, Chris Jarman as Hades, Cedric Neal as Hermes and Dylan Wood as Orpheus throughout her five-month engagement with the show.
The singer expressed profound sadness at being forced to miss her concluding performances with the company.
“Everything is ok,” she reassured her fans.
The singer’s statement continued: “I am heartbroken I won’t get to share the stage with my incredible cast, who I love dearly and perform for the passionate Hadestown audiences I’ve had the privilege to get to know over these last 5 months.
“I have adored playing the role of Persephone, it has been a dream come true and I’m so upset not to be able to fulfil my final week and to leave the show without a proper goodbye.
“I’m so sorry to anyone who had organised trips and booked tickets for my last week. This is completely out of my control and really I have to follow my doctor’s instructions.”
The singer concluded her statement by thanking supporters for their patience and compassion.
“Sending love to everyone, thank you for your continued support and understanding,” Ms Roberts wrote.
One fan responded: “Nothing matters more than your health. Look after yourself!”
Another supporter commented that while the news was disappointing, Ms Roberts needed to put herself and her unborn child first, praising her portrayal of Persephone throughout the run.
Ms Roberts shared the news of her pregnancy on Christmas Day, revealing she and her partner Mitch Hahn were expecting their first baby together.
The singer posted photographs on Instagram showing her cradling her bump beside a Christmas tree, announcing she was already five months along.
Nicola Roberts must undergo a minor surgical procedure
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GETTY
“Mitch and I have had the most magical Christmas Day sharing the most precious news with our families,” she wrote at the time.
Ms Roberts explained that the couple had been “keeping a secret” before finally sharing their joyful announcement with loved ones over the festive period.
The pair, who are engaged, said they “can’t wait” to welcome their child in the spring.