Jane McDonald tipped to take over role of Grizabella in Cats

Jane McDonald will reportedly take over the role of Grizabella in Cats. The singer and former Loose Women star is said to have signed a five figure deal for a six-week run, when the production opens in Blackpool Opera House on July 9th. Nicole Scherzinger, who earned an Olivier Award nomination for her performance, stepped down in February. Former Wicked and Les Misérables star Kerry Ellis took over, and will now make way for McDonald, who The Mirror reports was handpicked by Andrew Lloyd Webber. "Jane is absolutely over the moon and is honoured to have personally been chosen for the role by Lord Lloyd Webber," a source told the paper. "She may be older than Nicole, but her voice is still amazing. He was absolutely blown away by her audition for the role. Fans of the show are in for a real treat." McDonald recently played the Enchantress in pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. More Stories: The Imitation Game, Kerry Washington honoured at GLAAD Media Awards Hollywood won’t allow lead gay character, says Roland Emmerich