Connie Fisher, the 28-year-old singer and actress who rose to fame on reality show 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?', has been forced to quit the stage production of The Sound of Music. Fisher was expected to play the lead role in Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle and Wimbledon but she has now left the tour, reports the Press Association.
The singer cites a radical change in her vocal range as the reason for the exit, saying, "After many months of battling with a throat condition, known as congenital sulcus vocalis, my vocal range has altered dramatically and it is with much regret that I have to withdraw from The Sound Of Music as I no longer have the range to sing the part of Maria". Fisher was struck down with vocal problems in 2009, and had to call off a 14-date tour to have immediate surgery. Recently, specialists in the US have advised her to act decisively after being diagnosed with congenital fusion anomalies. In announcing her departure, the star spoke of her pride at working with Andrew Lloyd Webber and the cast and crew of the hugely successful production.
The former call-centre worker will be replaced by Verity Rushworth, who will star opposite Jason Dovovan as Captain Von Trapp when the production opens in Wales this month.
