Gemma Collins’ opening night in glitzy musical Chicago set to be a sell-out as she takes on iconic role

GEMMA Collins’ opening night on stage in the glitzy musical Chicago is set to be a sell-out, we can reveal. The reality star, who also appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, will play the iconic Mama Morton in the hit stage show. And she’ll tread […]

GEMMA Collins’ opening night on stage in the glitzy musical Chicago is set to be a sell-out, we can reveal.

The reality star, who also appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, will play the iconic Mama Morton in the hit stage show.

PA

Gemma Collins won the role of Mama Morton in musical Chicago[/caption]

Splash

The Diva Forever star will show off her acting and singing skills in the stage production[/caption]

And she’ll tread the boards for the first time at the iconic Sunderland Empire later this year.

Tickets have sold  like hotcakes with spots in the stalls – costing up to £64.50 – and circle all sold out since Gemma, 41, announced the news yesterday.

The theatre – capacity 2,000 – has just a handful of seats in the upper circle for just £13.

The former The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma, 41, was revealed to be making her stage debut this summer as the world-famous musical tours the UK and Ireland.

She will bring the razzle dazzle to the tour at the Sunderland Empire from 31 May, with further shows in Cardiff, Blackpool, Sheffield, Norwich and Oxford.

Producer David Ian said they were “were completely stunned” by her audition.

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

While this will be her debut theatre role, Collins has long been a keen performer.

She studied dance and won a place at the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School, before finding fame on TOWIE. In 2021, she also announced her own Big Night Out tour.

Collins’ character was played by Queen Latifah in the Oscar-winning film adaptation of the musical.

She joins Coronation Street star Faye Brookes and West End actress Djalenga Scott in the Chicago cast.