All Change For WICKED's Elphabas; Nikki Davis-Jones Out Of Tour And West End

A press statement from Wicked UK has revealed that Nikki Davis-Jones will no longer be starring as Elphaba in either the tour or the London productions of the show.

Davis-Jones has been covered by Jemma Alexander on the tour for the past few weeks, and Ashleigh Gray takes over the role, as previously announced, from 16 September 2014 at the Liverpool Empire and for the remainder of the UK Tour.

Davis-Jones had been announced to take over in London from October 27th, but now further casting news is expected shortly.

The statement quoted Michael McCabe, Executive Producer (UK) of Wicked, as saying: "Nikki Davis-Jones has been an absolutely extraordinary Elphaba on the UK Tour of Wicked, earning herself rave reviews in every city we have played. So we are all extremely sorry that she has had to withdraw from the tour and will be unable to join the London cast as previously announced. We all fully support Nikki's position and very much look forward to working with her again in the future."

Kerry Ellis is currently playing the role for a limited engagement in London following Willemijn Verkaik's departure through injury.