La Voix, a fan favourite from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, will take over the role of Miss Hannigan in the touring production of Annie while Claire Sweeney heads to Australia for I'm a Celebrity. The two-week stint will cover performances at Woking New Victoria Theatre and Bradford Alhambra Theatre, with the role for the final week still unannounced.
Sweeney's Jungle Journey Confirmed
Claire Sweeney, the 55-year-old former Coronation Street and Brookside star, was spotted arriving at Brisbane Airport in a matching animal-print tracksuit ahead of the ITV reality show. When asked about her reason for travelling, she said: "I'm here to get my extensions done."
Asked about her fears before entering the jungle, Sweeney recalled a childhood memory involving maggots. She said: "Maggots. I am terrified! I remember, as a kid, my dad was a fisherman, and there was a punnet of maggots in the fridge. For some reason, I remember putting my hand in the punnet, and I can't even look at them now. It freaks me out."
La Voix Steps In for Two Weeks
A social media post confirmed the casting: "The irresistibly funny La Voix returns to Easy Street for two weeks only. La Voix will play the role of Miss Hannigan at Woking New Victoria Theatre and Bradford Alhambra Theatre."
Before heading to Australia, Sweeney played Miss Hannigan as the musical toured the country. Fans who had booked to see her in particular raised questions online about her absence, prompting the announcement.
Rooney Also Heading to the Jungle
Sweeney is not the only Scouser taking part in the show. Croxteth-born footballer Wayne Rooney, 41, will also appear. The former England captain follows in the footsteps of his wife Coleen, 40, who reached the final of the ITV show in 2024.
Rooney, who previously managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, said: "I hope people will see me for who I am. I like to have fun and I like to think I am actually a fun guy to be around. I do like to mess around a bit and I do talk a lot. People will have their own opinions, but I hope they will see me as a genuine person."
