TV star Denise heads for Big Apple
Ex-Big Breakfast star Denise Van Outen is New York-bound to join the cast of hit musical Chicago next month.
The star was praised for her role as Roxie Hart during a stint in London’s West End last year which she is now to revive.
Essex girl Van Outen - who called it ‘‘an ambition come true’’ - will also return to the British version after her five-week US run, she confirmed.
The actress makes her Broadway debut on March 18 at the Shubert (correct) Theatre and said she was ‘‘thrilled and delighted’’ at the prospect.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to be a Broadway babe,’’ said Van Outen, 27.
‘‘To come from the Big Breakfast to Broadway is truly an ambition come true. I never thought this would happen and only imagined it in my wildest dreams.
‘‘I do hope the Americans are going to like me.’’
She played Roxie for 20 weeks last year, her first major stage role.
TV’s Challenge Of A Lifetime presenter and former Brookside star Claire Sweeney is currently playing the part in the London version of the show.
Van Outen said she looking forward to returning to the Adelphi Theatre for a further run, which will also be for a five-week period.
‘‘I am excited to be returning to the West End. Playing Roxie in London was one of the happiest periods of my life and a highlight of my career,’’ she said.
Chicago has been running for more than four years and won a Laurence Olivier award for outstanding musical production.
