Stacey Dooley has announced a huge career change as she follows in Cheryl’s footsteps to star in the West End show 2:22: A Ghost Story.
The documentary maker will perform as Jenny as she makes her acting debut when the thriller returns to the West End in May. The Strictly star will be joined on stage by Inbetweeners star James Buckley, who is reprising his role as Ben.
In 2021, the show premiered with Lily Allen in the role of Jenny. Since then, Doctor Who star Mandip Gill, Girls Aloud’s Cheryl, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, and actor Jamie Winstone have starred as Jenny.
The LA version of the show saw Constance Wu in the lead role, while supermodel Gemma Ward played the tortured homeowner in Melbourne.
It's not the first time, Stacey had has a career change, having been crowned the winner of the 16th series of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in December 2018. Sharing her delight, Stacey said: "Delighted to be involved in the next adaptation of 2:22! Made up! I fell for the play when I went to watch it in 2022.
"All 4 characters feel so familiar, which means the subtle ‘ghost story’ just works so brilliantly. Can’t wait to bring Jenny back to life! Let’s go!’"
Meanwhile actor and podcast host James, who first played the role of Ben during the first run at the Gielgud Theatre in 2021 said: "I'm so excited to be rejoining the cast of 2.22.
"It's such a brilliant play and to be back in such a brilliant theatre. It will be great to be play Ben again and now all I need to do is make sure I remember the lines. Can't wait to see everyone there"
The show tells the story of Jenny who believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. This causes an argument with their first dinner guest, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben.
Ghost Story has already been seen by over 690,000 people in 18 UK cities including London, plus international seasons in LA and Melbourne. This second Gielgud Theatre run will be the show’s 7th West End season.
Stacey Dooley will take on a limited 10-week season, with previews at the Gielgud Theatre to start on 25 May and the run will end on 4 August. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 24 April.
