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Star forced out of show by illness
By Louise Jury, Evening Standard 29.11.07
On the mend: Douglas Hodge, left, with his Guys And Dolls co-stars Jane Krakowski, Jenna Russell and Ewan McGregor
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The official opening of a London Christmas show has been postponed because the star is ill.
Douglas Hodge was due to take the lead role of Albin in La Cage Aux Folles at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
But he contracted a chest infection which led to severe bronchitis in both lungs and so is unable to perform. Understudy Spencer Stafford has stepped into the role until 9 January when a new first night is scheduled, and it is hoped the actor will be fit again.
David Babani, who runs the Menier Chocolate Factory, said: "Doug was very, very ill. The good news is he's pretty much clear of infection but he's lost a lot of stamina and lung capacity.
"He's desperate to come back and we're desperate to have him back, but we were very lucky we had someone who could step into the breach who's fantastic."
Hodge has previously co-starred with Ewan McGregor in Guys And Dolls.
