Caroline Flack joins the cast of Chicago

She'll take on the role of Roxie Hart until the end of the show's West End run.

Caroline Flack will join the West End cast of Chicago as Roxie Hart from 10 December 2018, following the recent addition of Todrick Hall as Billy Flynn.

Flack is renowned as the presenter of the BAFTA award-winning Love Island, as well as The X Factor, The Xtra Factor and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now!.

She made her stage debut in the acclaimed Crazy For You.

“I’ve been imagining playing Roxie since I was a teenager,” Flack says of the news. “To have now landed the role in the West End is a dream come true. I hope I do everyone proud and don’t fall off the ladder!”

Flack joins Todrick Hall as Billy Flynn. Hall is known for his appearances as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as being a YouTube sensation.

Hall began attracting attention shortly after joining the video platform when he posted his first video, a performance of It’s Hard to Say Goodbye, in 2008. Today he has over 2.9 million subscribers watching his original songs, music videos, collaborations, choreographed flash mobs and other fun updates.

His rise to fame was also sped up in 2010 thanks to American Idol, where he made it to the semi-finals, and has seen him play the role of Billy Flynn on Broadway, among other stage credits.

Both join Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton, and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.

With Chicago running in London until 5 January 2019, here’s what you need to know about the show.

What is Chicago about?

Chicago was inspired by a Maureen Dallas Watkins’ play of the same name written in 1926. Later adapted into a stage musical, it premiered in 1975 and was directed by legendary choreographer Bob Fosse.

Having wowed audiences all around the world, Chicago has been honoured with six Tonys, two Oliviers and a Grammy. Earlier this year, it celebrated its 21st anniversary as the longest running musical on Broadway.

Chicago tells the thrilling tale of 1920’s nightclub performers turned murderesses. Dancing for their lives in order to stay off Death Row, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly enlist the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn to help them clear their names.

What can audiences expect from Chicago?

Chicago is packed with everything that makes a musical great. Topping the list is the sizzling score by John Kander and Fred Ebb. You’ll hear one showstopping song after another – including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When You’re Good to Mama, Hot Honey Rag and Razzle Dazzle, among many more.

Plus, the intricate choreography is sure to grab your attention and keep you energised throughout the show. Just take a look at the production shots and you’ll get an idea of how captivating it is!

(Note that these shots may include cast members no longer appearing in the show.)

Who stars in Chicago?

Caroline Flack will star as Roxie Hart in Chicago from 10 December 2018 until the end of the show’s run. The role will continue to be played by Sarah Soetaert until the 8 December.

Todrick Hall plays Billy Flynn, with Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.