Fans of actress Linda Robson have been left worried after the Loose Women star was forced to pull out of a pantomime performance at the very last minute due to a health scare.
Sudden Withdrawal from Festive Show
The Birds of a Feather star, 67, was scheduled to perform as Councillor Chigwell in a festive production of Aladdin at the Orchard West Theatre in Dartford on Saturday. However, she was compelled to withdraw after reportedly feeling unwell just before the show was due to begin.
Robson was set to continue in the role over the Christmas period until next month. The theatre has now confirmed she will not return to the stage for the remaining performances.
Replacement Cast and Official Statement
In a statement, the theatre addressed the panto cancellation, saying: “Unfortunately, due to illness, Linda Robson will no longer be performing in Aladdin. We are sorry for any disappointment caused, but know our audiences will join us in wishing Linda well.”
The statement went on to reveal that Antony Costa, star of the platinum-award-winning boyband Blue, will join the cast for most of the remaining shows. West End favourite Hollie Cassar will also step in for selected dates.
Recent Health Update on Loose Women
This incident follows a health update Robson gave earlier this month, where she admitted to having an "up and down year." Speaking to Bella magazine, she stated she was “doing alright” following a scare.
During Tuesday's episode of Loose Women, the actress shared that doctors were “keeping an eye” on her after gallstones previously damaged her pancreas. She disclosed she was undergoing numerous MRI and other scans as medics investigated a cyst, which had grown from 1cm to 2cm.
“The kids have obviously been really worried about me,” Robson told her fellow panellists.
Personal Challenges and Future Plans
The star has also been coping with the sad news that her friend and former Birds of a Feather co-star, Pauline Quirke, has been diagnosed with dementia.
Despite the recent challenges, Robson expressed her intention to go on holiday in January once the panto run finished. She said: “At the moment, I'm just thinking about going on holiday as soon as the panto finishes. It's been an up and down sort of year. I had a little health scare but I'm alright now. So I want to do my panto, and then a week or so after I'll go away with my two sisters to Cyprus.”
The theatre has asked audiences to check its website for specific performance dates with the new cast members, thanking them for their understanding.
