Mel Giedroyc makes ‘difficult decision’ to pull out of pantomime for ‘personal reasons’

Mel Giedroyc has announced she is pulling out of her upcoming pantomime for “personal reasons”.

The 54-year-old had been due to star in a touring production of Mother Goose alongside Sir Ian McKellen and John Bishop.

But in a statement on Wednesday, she said: “Due to personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the forthcoming production of Mother Goose.

“I am thankful to the producers of the show for being so understanding and wish everyone involved in the production a fantastic tour throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Now, more than ever we all need a bit of joy, and I can’t wait to see it myself. I know it is going to be fantastic.”

The former Great British Bake Off host was set to play the lead role.

Written by Coronation Street’s Jonathan Harvey and directed by Cal McCrystal, the show tells the story of Mother Goose and her husband Vic, who run an animal sanctuary and live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams department store until their lives are turned upside down by the arrival of a goose.

ATG Productions confirmed Giedroyc’s role is being re-cast and sent “love and best wishes” to her and her family.

It is due to open at the Theatre Royal Brighton from 3 to 11 December before a West End run at the Duke of York’s Theatre between 15 December and 29 January.