Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Harry Judd has shared an emotional family milestone, admitting the moment left him "crying". The McFly star is preparing to play Coach Bolton in High School Musical on the London stage, taking over from Jason Donovan, but his daughter Lola has already made her own stage debut.
Daughter Lola's West End debut
Harry and his wife Izzy shared an update about their 10-year-old daughter Lola, who has just taken her curtain call in the West End production of Matilda, playing the title role. Lola was not yet born when Harry lifted the glitterball trophy after his Strictly triumph in 2011 alongside pro-dancer Aliona Vilani. He beat Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey in the show's finale, and was also the judges' favourite, scoring a maximum of 40 points on two dances.
Lola is one of four girls playing the title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company stage production of Roald Dahl's story, running at the Cambridge Theatre. Her parents, who also have two young sons, were in the audience to watch her debut and proudly shared a video clip on Instagram of her taking a bow as her opening show came to an end.
Proud parents share emotional reaction
Izzy shared: "Lola’s first curtain call as Matilda alongside her brilliant classmates at Crunchem Hall…. A moment we’ll never forget." Harry added: "I’ll never forget this moment. The only time I’ve cried more was when she was born."
The pair were showered with support from followers. Girls Aloud singer and former Strictly contestant Kimberley Walsh said: "Honestly guys I don’t know how you do it I would be a wreck. Go Lola." West End star Lucie Jones added: "I can’t (crying emoji) AMAZING Lola congratulations darling girl!" Zoe Ball posted: "h wow congrats to you all but amazing for your Lola. some gorgeous news."
Support from fellow stars
The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett added: "Yesssss! So so so cool." Another former Strictly champion, Ore Oduba, commented: "Wowww oh the biggest congratulations all of you." Harry's mum, Emma, who appeared with him on BBC's Celebrity Race Across The World, said: "A totally unforgettable experience! Lola was just amazing and I couldn’t be prouder of her. A real pinch me moment."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
