A wave of disappointment washed over the West End as Nicola Roberts, the beloved Girls Aloud star, announced her sudden departure from the acclaimed musicalHadestown. The news came just days before her final scheduled performances, leaving both castmates and audiences heartbroken.
Roberts, currently expecting her first child, revealed she requires a small surgical procedure, making it impossible for her to complete her run as the captivating Persephone. The role, rooted in the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, had become a personal triumph for the singer.
In a heartfelt message shared through the production’s platform, Roberts expressed her profound sadness. She spoke of the joy she found in portraying Persephone, a dream role she’s now forced to leave without a proper farewell.
The news is particularly poignant given Roberts’ recent announcement of her pregnancy with fiancé Mitch Hahn. The couple shared the joyous news on Christmas Day, revealing they are expecting their first child in the spring, a secret they’d cherished for five months.
Roberts’ performance inHadestownhas been lauded, bringing a fresh energy to the tale of Orpheus’s desperate journey to rescue his love from the underworld. She shared the stage with a talented ensemble, including Dylan Wood as Orpheus and Cedric Neal as Hermes.
She extended a sincere apology to those who had planned trips and purchased tickets specifically to see her final performances, acknowledging the disruption is beyond her control and emphasizing the importance of following medical advice.
The singer’s engagement to former footballer Mitch Hahn, announced last year during a romantic trip to Spain, adds another layer of happiness to this challenging time. While facing unexpected surgery, she prepares for the arrival of their child.
Though her time as Persephone is cut short, Roberts’ impact on the production and the hearts of those who witnessed her performance will undoubtedly linger. TheHadestowncommunity sends its best wishes for a swift recovery and a joyous welcome to their new arrival.
