Alexandra Burke is to make her West End theatre debut.
The ‘Bad Boys’ hitmaker – who shot to fame after winning ‘The X Factor’ in 2008 – will replace Beverley Knight in the lead role in ‘The Bodyguard’ from June 2.
The 25-year-old singer is a huge fan of the late Whitney Houston, who played Rachel Marron in the original 1992 movie, and is delighted to be following in her footsteps.
She 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. I start rehearsals very soon with my fellow cast mates and the brilliant creative team and, with a little trepidation, I am looking forward to our first performance in June."
Alexandra was approached by producers Ian and Michael Harrison about joining the production until the end of its run on August 30 after they learned Beverley was to leave to join ‘Memphis’.
Ian told the Daily Mail newspaper: "We saw her, and our creative team met her, and she was fabulous and knocked the songs out of the park."
Tristan Gemill will continue in his role as Rachel’s bodyguard Frank Farmer.
The show debuted in London in 2012, and ahead of its opening Alexandra was touted as the favourite to take on the lead role.
A source said three years ago: "Alexandra is torn – the show would be an amazing gig and especially in London while the Olympics are on and it’s in the spotlight. But she also has her second album to think about."
Alexandra Burke lands West End role
