John Whaite has been left 'heartbroken' after his West End debut has been scuppered as show he was due to appear in has been axed. The former Bake Off winner wowed viewers during the last series of Strictly Come Dancing.
He made it all the way to the final of the BBC One dance competition alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe, where they went head-to-head with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
As he appeared on the show, there were rumours that theatre bosses were keen to snap him up and he has now revealed he was due to join the cast of Cinderella as Prince Charming this summer. However, the production will end next month, before he was set to make his debut.
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Responding to the announcement that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical will close, John said: "This is heartbreaking news for me because I was due to take the role of Prince Charming in July, but more so for the current cast, band and production who have battled through Covid to bring a brilliant new show to the stage.
"My heart goes out to each and every one of them." He added: "I was lucky enough to watch Cinderella in December 2021 and it was one of the most wonderful musicals I’ve seen in a long time."
The 32-year-old ended his post: "I was so excited to join the cast, and it was a lifelong dream come true, but sadly it isn’t to be right now. Who knows what the future will hold – I won’t lose hope."
The news broke on Sunday that the show at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Covent Garden in London was to cease production. It starred Carrie Hope Fletcher, theatre star and the sister of McFly singer Tom Fletcher. In response to the news, she said: "I don't think I have the words.
"And if I did I would probably be advised not to say them. Sending love to all impacted by todays news and by how that news was delivered."
Earlier this year John wowed fans when he shared his hidden talent with fans. He showed that he's more than just a talented baker and a good mover on the dancefloor as he took to Instagram with a video of himself singing and playing the guitar.
"Lover by Taylor Swift," he captioned the post to his thousands of followers. "Can’t stop singing this after performing the waltz to it in the Strictly Live Tour. Definitely one of her finest songs."
When previously asked about whether he could swap the kitchen for the stage, John never ruled it out. "I am a Jack of all trades... I do not want to restrict myself," he told the Standard in December. And in November, John was put on the spot while appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4.
"And what's all this about you potentially going in the West End?" presenter Steph McGovern asked him. "Well there's been a few talks," John smiled and replied whilst his dancing partner Johannes laughed: "I can't say much but there are a few people who are interested in booking me." Denise Van Outen quickly replied: "Are they? What musicals ? Which shows I need to know. You tell me later and then I'll tell Steph!"
