Gemma Collins ‘can’t stop crying’ as she’s forced to quit Chicago role over brutal knee injury

GEMMA Collins has been sensationally forced to pull out of West End smash hit musical Chicago. 

Pals said Gemma, 41, was devastated at having to quit her starring role as Matron “Mama” Morton.

2

Those close to the former Towie star said she’d been advised by her doctor to step back after a nasty knee injury from 2019’s Dancing On Ice flared up – leaving her in agony.

Gemma was set to perform in the show for weeks, with the musical opening at the Sunderland Empire Theatre on May 31.

A source said: “Gemma is absolutely gutted she’s had to pull out of Chicago.

“She has been in floods of tears and is inconsolable.

read more on gemma collins

READIES SALTED

Gemma Collins signs huge deal to be face of one of nation's favourite brands

health scare

Gemma Collins worries fans as she reveals she’s in hospital having scans taken

“Gemma realised her knee wouldn't stand up to the gruelling schedule.

“She had a bad fall on Dancing On Ice and an injury to her knee then started to flare up, as it has done before from time to time.

“Gemma knows she wouldn’t be able to keep up with the demands of a gruelling show like Chicago.

“She knew her lines off by heart and was even told she could cut down rehearsals because she knew the part inside out.

Most read in News TV

'not what I wanted’

Loose Women star sparks health fears after worrying hospital visit

SHOCK RETURN

Death in Paradise star reveals why he made shock U-turn to reprise BBC role

you're fired!

The Apprentice axes first contestant as star breaks silence on show exit

MAD MOVES

Love Island bombshells Danielle and Sammy rip couples apart in shock recoupling

“She had an X ray two weeks ago and then went to see someone about her knee last Friday which meant she missed a rehearsal. 

“It was a last-ditch attempt to gauge the problem before the opening night. However she has had to admit defeat and accept the inevitable.

“She is still able to walk around but dancing, singing and acting in 48 performances over six weeks with all the travelling stuck in a car meant she wouldn’t be able to give the part her all.”

A spokesman for Chicago confirmed Gemma had been forced to pull out.

They said in a statement to The Sun: “Gemma Collins’ management have informed the producers of Chicago she will no longer be appearing in the UK Tour of the show due to a knee injury.

“The Producers of Chicago wish Gemma all the best for the future.”

The Sun exclusively revealed Gemma had landed the huge part back in March.

Tickets for the performances have sold like hotcakes with spots in the stalls – costing up to £64.50 - and the circle all sold out since the reality star, who shot to fame on the ITV2 reality show in 2011, announced the news. 

READ MORE SUN STORIES

SIGN IT UP

Speeding fines for thousands of drivers may be VOIDED over street sign loophole

AIR WE GO

Ryanair's five new flights launching from UK airport in time for summer holidays

Read More on The Sun

SWITCH OFF

Watching too much TV 'increases your risk of dying young from killer disease'

Speaking about her audition, producer David Ian said they were bowled over by Gemma’s talent.

He added: “She's an undeniable force both on and off stage, and we can't wait to see her portrayal of Mama Morton.”

2