Martin Kemp to take over from Cuba Gooding Jr in Chicago

Spandau Ballet and EastEnders star Martin Kemp will take over the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of Chicago from July.

Replacing Cuba Gooding Jr, who is currently playing the smooth-talking lawyer at the Phoenix Theatre, Kemp will join the production from 2 July until 1 September. Further cast changes are to be announced.

Best known for being one quarter of '80s pop band Spandau Ballet, Kemp's stage credits include Million Dollar Quartet and Peter Pan. On screen he played Steve Owen in EastEnders and Reggie Kray in The Krays.

Kander and Ebb's musical returned to the West End in March with a cast that includes Ruthie Henshall as Mama Morton, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly and Sarah Soetaert as Roxie Hart.

In her review for WhatsOnStage, Lucinda Everett said: "Despite its flaws, with music so iconic, a creative blueprint so enduring, and a cast this strong, Chicago's latest outing will be a firm crowd favourite."