Strictly's Joe McFadden and Donna Air set to join Stacey Dooley and James ... trends now

Joe McFadden and Donna Air will return to the West End as Sam and Lauren in award-winning play, 2:22 Ghost Story - as it replaces Sheridan Smith's axed Opening Night show.

Strictly Come Dancing star Joe, 48, has been announced as the latest celeb to star in the popular play, in roles previously played by Hadley Fraser and Tom Felton. 

Joe said: 'I'm really stoked to be returning to the West End in this much-loved, hit show and its latest production at the Gielgud Theatre with this fantastic cast. 

'It's a beautifully crafted script that has plenty of scares and is hilarious in places and I can't wait to see what audiences make of our version.'

Hadley was the first to take on the role of Sam when the West End play opened in the summer of 2021. 

The play follows main character Jenny (Stacey Dooley), who believes her new home is haunted but her husband Sam (Joe) remains skeptical.

They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren (Donna) and new partner Ben (James Buckley) and decide to stay awake until 2.22am to discover the truth  

Donna said: 'I'm so excited to be playing the role of Lauren in one of my favourite plays in the West End - 2.22. I'm looking forward to getting back on stage and seeing you all there!'

Written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, and directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr, 2:22 is an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may, or may not, appear. 

Stacey is making her West End debut as Jenny the in award-winning play.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 37, was announced as the new lead in the popular play on Wednesday. 

She will take over the part of Jenny, which as previously been played by Cheryl and Laura Whitmore.