Louise Redknapp was rushed to hospital on Tuesday morning, after falling in the street on her way to rehearsals for upcoming West End show 9 To 5.
The mother-of-two, 44, has sustained injuries to her face and wrist, with her doctors instructing her to pull out of the show, her rep has confirmed.
Louise’s publicist told MailOnline on Thursday night: ‘She had a nasty fall on the way to rehearsals on Tuesday. She’s gutted to pull out of the opening weeks of 9 To 5.’
![Injured: Louise Redknapp was rushed to hospital on Tuesday morning, after falling in the street on her way to rehearsals for upcoming West End show 9 To 5 [pictured on Wednesday - the day after the incident]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/01/10/23/8380316-6579389-image-m-100_1547162097723.jpg)
Injured: Louise Redknapp was rushed to hospital on Tuesday morning, after falling in the street on her way to rehearsals for upcoming West End show 9 To 5 [pictured on Wednesday – the day after the incident]
Louise has been rehearsing for the show’s run over the past few weeks, with the opening night set for the end of January.
The musical – which is based on the film of the same name, from 1980 – has been devised by Dolly Parton, who is expected to be in attendance on opening night at The Savoy Theatre.
A source close to Louise told The Sun: ‘She went to hospital and had stitches. Then doctors told her she needs time out and can’t do the show.
‘She is obviously completely devastated because this is a dream role for her. It doesn’t seem fair.’
In character: Louise has been rehearsing for the show’s run over the past few weeks, with the opening night set for the end of January
Behind the scenes: ‘Everyone at 9 To 5 wishes Louise a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming her back,’ read a statement from The Savoy Theatre
Stepping down: Louise was set to play the role of Violet Newstead
!['Gutted': Louise was set to star alongside [L-R] actress Natalie McQueen, theatre legend Brian Conley and Love Island 2017 winner Amber Davies](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/01/10/23/8381358-6579389-image-m-127_1547164739899.jpg)
‘Gutted’: Louise was set to star alongside [L-R] actress Natalie McQueen, theatre legend Brian Conley and Love Island 2017 winner Amber Davies
Louise – who shot to fame as part of girl group Eternal in the 1990s – was set to play the role of Violet Newstead, the character made famous by Lily Tomlin in the movie.
Her doctor is said to have ordered the actress to take two months off, meaning she won’t feature in the original run of the show.
The production is hopeful Louise will pick up where she left the role in March.
They have released a statement on the matter: ‘The recovery time recommended means Louise is no longer able to properly rehearse the show in the remaining time left before opening.
Licking her wounds: Louise was seen on Wednesday covering her injury, attending a meeting at the theatre about the situation
Iconic role: Louise’s character was made famous by Lily Tomlin in the movie in 1980
Stars: The original film starred Lily, Dolly and Jane Fonda
‘Together we have made the difficult decision to delay Louise’s start date in the show. We hope that Louise will start performances sometime towards the end of March/early April 2019.
‘Everyone at 9 To 5 wishes Louise a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming her back.’
Louise was set to star alongside Love Island 2017 winner Amber Davies, West End star Natalie McQueen and theatre legends Brian Conley and Bonnie Langford.
Both Amber and Natalie took to Twitter on Thursday night to express their disappointment over the incident.
Disappointed: Both Amber and Natalie took to Twitter on Thursday night to express their disappointment over the incident
Amber uploaded a shot of her and Louise, which she captioned: ‘Well. I leave you for 2 mins!! Wishing one of my favourite humans the most speedy recovery! I can’t wait to be beside you as we play leading ladies together❤️’
Natalie followed this up with: ‘Beautiful human @LouiseRedknapp, please get better ASAP! Sending you all of the love sweetheart❤️’
In 2017, Louise made her stage debut starring as Sally Bowles in the National Tour of Cabaret, with Will Young.
West End star: In 2017, Louise made her stage debut starring as Sally Bowles in the National Tour of Cabaret, with Will Young
In the pipeline: She is currently also working on her sixth studio album
She is currently also working on her sixth studio album, having left Eternal in 1995 for a solo career, and releasing her debut album Naked in 1996. Between 1997 and 2002 she followed Naked up with the release of albums Woman In Me, Elbow Beach, Changing Faces and Finest Moments – the latter two being compilation records.
The former Strictly Come Dancing hopeful ended her marriage to football pundit Jamie Redknapp last year after they tied the knot in 1998. They share sons Charlie, 14, and Beau, nine.
Jamie is currently on holiday in Miami with the couple’s younger son, Beau.