Gemma Collins joins the cast of Chicago the Musical’s UK tour – and the reaction has been mixed

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Gemma Collins is joining the cast of Chicago the Musical, and theatre fans have some thoughts.

The meme queen and reality TV star will appear in the iconic musical as Mama Morton for the show’s UK tour.

The news was announced on social media, with the caption: “It’s official! The one and only GC is about to bring a whole lotta razzle dazzle to the Chicago UK tour.”

She will join the tour at the Sunderland Empire from 31 May, ahead of playing Cardiff’s New Theatre, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Sheffield’s  Lyceum, Norwich’s Theatre Royal and Oxford’s New Theatre.

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The show’s producer, David Ian says: “We were completely stunned by Gemma’s audition for the role.

“She’s an undeniable force both on and off stage, and we can’t wait to see her portrayal of Mama Morton on tour. Audiences across the country are in for a treat.”

The news has received a mixed reaction from Chicago fans, with some noting that many theatre actors have been out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic.

One Twitter user wrote: “Fully trained professional actors, dancers and singers have lost work. The casting director should be ashamed casting a celebrity rather than an actor in this production.”

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As is the live arts hadn’t suffered enough in the last two years! Fully trained professional actors, dancers and singers have lost work. The casting director should be ashamed casting a celebrity rather than an actor in this production. https://t.co/rzCsTY3R3N

— Fiona