Claire Sweeney has abruptly departed her role as Miss Hannigan in the touring production of "Annie" to participate in "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here," a move that risks angering fans who purchased tickets.
Sweeney, 55, was scheduled to perform eight shows in Woking this month, but she informed producers last week that she would be unable to fulfill these commitments. Drag artist La Voix has been brought in as her replacement. While the ticketing page for the New Victoria Theatre has been updated to reflect the cast change, it is unclear if ticket-holders have been directly notified.
A source told the Daily Mail that while appearing on the reality show could boost Sweeney's profile, her withdrawal from "Annie" is "not a good look," especially given that she had committed to the musical long before talks with ITV began. "A lot of children will be devastated as they were coming to see her. Their parents who splashed out for the tickets will rightfully be furious," the source added.
Sweeney is reportedly on a six-figure contract for "I'm a Celebrity." She is also scheduled for another eight performances in Bradford later this month, and it remains unclear who will cover those dates. Due to contractual obligations, she is expected to remain in Australia for the duration of the "I'm a Celebrity" season.
Despite the current situation, a theatre source suggested Sweeney might return to the role in December after her return to the UK. Sweeney had previously expressed that playing Miss Hannigan was a long-held dream. Earlier this year, she left her role as Cassie Plummer in "Coronation Street" to take on the musical part.
