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Whoopi Goldberg quits Sister Act as mother falls seriously ill
Alistair Foster, Showbusiness Correspondent27 Aug 2010
Whoopi Goldberg has pulled out of her West End role in Sister Act after her elderly mother Emma suffered a severe stroke.
She was flying back to America today after receiving the news this morning.
Since joining the show as Mother Superior last month, fans have been regularly queuing up outside the theatre before dawn for day tickets, with some seats exchanging hands online for up to £300.
The 54-year-old Hollywood star, who appeared in the original movie almost 20 years ago, set record sales figures at the Palladium and earned rave reviews and standing ovations.
Her run was due to last until next month but she will not return to the role. Goldberg's understudy will step in until Sally Dexter takes over on September 2.
Bill Taylor, CEO of Stage Entertainment UK, said: “Our thoughts and sincere best wishes are with Whoopi at this difficult time.”
