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LOUISE'S 999 to 5
Louise Redknapp rushed to hospital after horror fall, forcing her to pull out of Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5
LOUISE Redknapp was rushed to hospital after a freak fall which forced her to pull out of Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5.
The Strictly Come Dancing star suffered a deep gash on her chin and a fractured left wrist after tumbling on her way to rehearsals in London’s West End.
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After urgent treatment she was told she could not work for at least two months.
It means the devastated ex-Eternal singer will miss the musical’s opening night — attended by country superstar Dolly, who starred in the 1980 movie — as well as weeks of performances.
A source close to Louise said: “It happened on the way to rehearsals on Tuesday morning. She fell in the street.
“She went to hospital and had stitches. Then doctors told her she needs time out and can’t do the show.
“She is obviously completely devastated because this is a dream role for her. It doesn’t seem fair.”
On Wednesday heartbroken Louise was pictured leaving her home to tell show bosses the situation.
She wore a large plaster over her facial injuries, shown in our exclusive pictures.
Producers have yet to decide who will replace the 44-year-old at the Savoy Theatre.
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Louise Redknapp stars in West End musical 9 To 5
They said in a statement: “We hope Louise will start performances towards the end of March or early April.
“Due to an injury this week, Louise Redknapp has had to temporarily withdraw from performing the role of Violet in 9 to 5 The Musical.
“The recovery time recommended means Louise is no longer able to properly rehearse the show in the remaining time left before opening.
“Together we have made the difficult decision to delay Louise’s start date in the show. We hope that Louise will start performances sometime towards the end of March/early April 2019. Everyone at 9 to 5 wishes Louise a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming her back."
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The name of the actress stepping in to play the role in Louise’s absence will be announced shortly.
Any patrons who would like to exchange their tickets to a performance when Louise has returned to the show should contact their point of sale.
9 to 5 The Musical will have its first preview at the Savoy Theatre as planned on 28 January 2019.
The Sun revealed last September that Louise, who previously starred in Cabaret, had bagged Dolly’s role as Violet Newstand.
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Love Island’s Amber Davies, 22, funnyman Brian Conley, 57, and actress Natalie McQueen, 29, are also in the show, which runs from January 28 to August 31.
The group met 80-year-old Jane Fonda, who starred with Dolly in the movie, during rehearsals in October.
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Louise’s stage return comes a year after she finalised her divorce from former England footballer and A League Of Their Own star Jamie, 45.
The couple split eight months after The Sun revealed a rift following her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.
Louise claimed she had “lost her identity” during the 19-year marriage.
Recent reports have linked Louise to her former dance partner Kevin Clifton, 36, who split from his wife Karen last year.
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