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Top astrologer and Strictly Come Dancing star Russell Grant will replace Michael Crawford as ‘The Wizard’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz.

The West End announcement confirms rumours which were circulating last week after Sophie Evans (the Over the Rainbow runner-up who has been understudying Danielle Hope in the show) revealed that she will take on the role of ‘Dorothy’ full-time from Tuesday 7th February 2012.

Strictly Star Back on the Big Stage

Russell Grant began his career as a professional actor before rising to fame as Britain’s best loved fortune-teller, regularly appearing on television programmes such as TV-am and This Morning throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. He remained in the public eye through reality shows including Celebrity Fit Club and Kitchen Burnout, before taking part in the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing - being eliminated with his dance partner Flavia Cacace after week eight of the competition.

New Dance Moves to go with the Music?

In addition to the role of ‘The Wizard’, Grant will play ‘Professor Marvel’ (a mysterious travelling fortune teller who Dorothy meets just before a giant storm sweeps her away from Kansas). The Professor has his own song, ‘The Wonders of the World’, which is one of several new musical numbers penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for the show. Choreographer Arlene Phillips is also rumoured to working with Grant to bring some new dance moves to the London Palladium stage!

Russell Grant will play a limited 12-week season from Tuesday 14th February 2012. The Wizard of Oz is now booking until Sunday 28th October 2012.