Jade Ewen steps down from Godspell tour due to ill health

Jade Ewen has had to drop out of the upcoming tour of Godspell in Concert due to ill health.

The former Sugababe, whose stage credits include Porgy and Bess and Tonight's the Night said: "I'm saddened to have to withdraw from Godspell due to ill health. I wish the cast and crew a truly successful run, although I know they will put on an amazing show, and I can't wait to see it."

She will be replaced by Laura Mansell, who was already involved in the production. Her theatre credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour), Little Shop of Horrors (White Bear Theatre) and Steel Pier (Bridewell Theatre).

The tour, which opens at Hackney Empire on 4 April features "a brand new, modern-day rock score packed to the heavens with favourites such as "Light of the World", "All Good Gifts" and "Day by Day"." It is based on the 2011 Broadway revival.

The rest of the cast includes Andy Abraham, Leanne Jarvis, Tom Senior, Jennifer Potts and Jason Broderick.

Godspell in Concert runs at Hackney Empire until 5 April before visiting venues in Guildford, Southampton, Llandudno, Cardiff, Swansea, Reading, Brighton, Southsea, Gateshead, Sunderland, Torquay, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Ipswich, Manchester, Darlington, Grimsby, Dartford, Birmingham, Oxford, Hastings, Hull, Bradford, Glasgow, Woking, Watford, Blackpool, Wycombe and Northampton.