Fleur East has shared her 'nerves' with fans as she remembered her late father ahead of her next major career move.
It was announced earlier this year that the singer, presenter and radio host will make her West End debut in the long-running Tina Turner musical before the long-running show comes to an end.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which depicts the American singer’s life from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to her transformation into a rock ‘n’ roll star, began in April 2018 at the Aldwych Theatre in London.
Fleur will share the role of Turner alongside one of its current stars, theatre actress Karis Anderson. She confirmed the new on The One Show, saying at the time: "I'm really excited to announce that I'll be playing Tina in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on the West End!"
As the studio erupted with applause JLS star and show host JB Gill, who is also a friend of Fleur, said that "there is no one better suited".
Weeks have since passed and on Wednesday (June 25), Fleur will take to the stage in the role of Tina for the very first time. Ahead of her first show, on Tuesday (June 24), the Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two star opened up in a message to fans.
Sharing a snap of herself outside the theatre, where there was also a bus stop boasting photos of her and her Hits Radio Breakfast colleagues Will Best and James Barr, she said: "When two worlds collide.
"As I walked into the Aldwych theatre for my dress run I saw the advert for our new @hitsradiouk breakfast show at the bus stop. So funny that the night before opening night, I see my two adventures before my very eyes, side by side.
"In life, I’ve always taken on challenges that scare me. Things that push me out of my comfort zone are what I’m attracted to, because I always grow as a person and learn new things. I love to learn."I believe in tasting all the flavours of life. My Father used to always say 'you can never have too many strings to your bow' and he was so right."
She continued: "I’m gutted that my Dad won’t be there to see me on stage as @tinaturner in @tinathemusical, but as I look out to the stage and up at the lights, I believe he will be watching over me."Tomorrow is my first show in my first role in musical theatre and my west end debut. I’m nervous, excited and ready for this new ride! As Tina said 'I believe that if you’ll just stand up and go, life will open up for you'. SO, LET’S GO!!"
Fleur was then quickly flooded with support. Will wrote: "Yeeeeessssss!!!!!! TALENT right there. You’re going SMASH IT." Strictly pro Johannes Radeb said: "All the best darling...congratulations again." Actress and Strictly 2024 contestant Sarah Hadland replied: "Go on Fleur."
Presenter Angellica Bell shared: "Love you girl. You are nailing this x." Comedian and actress Ellie Taylor posted: "You will be sensacheeee!!! No doubt!!! Enjoy every juicy second!!!! Break a leg superstar!!!" Actress Sheree Murphy added: "Amazing! Good luck."
