Grease's West End musical cast broke the news about Olivia Newton-John's death to the audience last night, Peter Andre has revealed.
The 49 year old, who plays Vince Fontaine in the show, paid tribute to the Hollywood legend during his appearance on Lorraine. Peter revealed that the cast had found out that the four-time Grammy Award winner had died halfway through last night's show.
He explained that after the performance, the actress who played Olivia Newton-John's character Sandy on stage addressed the audience and revealed the news. Speaking to host Ranvir Singh, who is standing in for Lorraine Kelly over the summer, he said: "Everything has been said about Olivia Newton-John sounds spot on. She was warm - it's really rare that you meet someone in this industry that is exactly what you hope they're going to be like. Exactly like you pray they're going to be like.
"I met her a long time ago. But the show last night, the cast had found out halfway through the show. So when Olivia, who is playing Sandy. When the show ended she had to give an announcement to the audience to say the sad news and honestly, the audience were in shock."
He said that it would be a "very different show" from now on for everybody "because all those songs are so iconic". Peter confirmed that every show from now on would be dedicated to the singer and actress from now on. "And rightfully so because it's so sad to see this. Even though you knew she was battling [cancer], she was so brave and she was so strong that when the news came, we were all in shock. We didn't expect that to happen."
It comes after Olivia's husband John Easterling announced the sad news last night as he shared a statement via her Facebook page. Olivia died at her ranch in Southern California on Monday August 8.
The star, who had breast cancer for 30 years, was surrounded by her family and friends. Olivia's cause of death has not been confirmed and she is survived by her husband John, 70, and daughter Chloe, 36.
It read: "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.
"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
"Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall."
