Keala Settle rules out reprising The Greatest Showman role on stage

It seems if The Greatest Showman ever comes to the stage we shouldn’t expect to see Keala Settle in the cast.

The West End and Broadway actress – currently appearing in & Juliet – has ruled out reprising her film role.

Settle starred as ‘bearded lady’ Lettie Lutz in the breakout movie musical, singing mega hit song This Is Me.

Appearing on Heart Breakfast with hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, Settle was quizzed about rumoured plans for a stage adaptation.

“If they do, I give them all of my blessings,” she said.

Asked by Holden if she would want to be involved, Settle quipped: “Babe… 2 and a half hours of makeup every day. For 6 months…”

Settle went on to say of the film: “It changed my life, I didn’t think it would but it’s still affecting my life, in so many amazing and positive ways.

“I’ve learned so much about myself and about the rest of the world and how similar we are no matter how different we may be or whatever lives we are leading, we are still all wanting the same thing.”

And the Waitress star also revealed she was still in touch with Hugh Jackman, describing him as “like my little brother,”.

“He must be thrilled for you to be in the West End,” said Amanda.

Settle shared: “He is, the whole family is so supportive, but they’ve always been supportive, it’s all about storytelling and finding ways to do it and he’s been such a blessing to me and I’m the luckiest girl in the world!”

You can currently catch Settle in & Juliet in the West End with tickets on sale now here.

Listen to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden weekdays from 06:30 – 10:00.

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.