Jenny Ellison - out of Liverpool panto with flu

by Elissa Corrigan. Published Mon 22 Dec 2008 15:45, Last updated: 22 Dec 2008

Jenny... could not go on

Actress Jennifer Ellison has missed two performances of the pantomime where she is starring as Cinderella after she was hit ny a flu bug.

There are fears that she will be laid low by a flu bug and could also kept out of both of Tuesday's performances.

The panto has a two-day close-down over Christmas, but show bosses are hoping Jenny will recover in time for the re-start on 27th December.

It is the second illness blow in days for the 25-year-old songstress who is a key member of the all-star cast at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

The ex-Brookie star is was struck down with flu bug when she was already taking stong painkillers to combat the effects of a backstage fall she suffered on Friday night.

She was unable to go on stage for both the matinee and evening performances on Monday for the three-hour show alongside Cilla Black and Les Denis.

The ex-Brookie star is was struck down with flu just as she was taking stong painkillers to
combat the effects of a backstage fall she suffered on Friday night.

A doctor had to be called to the theatre after Jenny started complaining of a raging headache and sore throat.

After an examination the doctor diagnosed her with a winter bug and left her with no choice but to pull out of the show until she is well enough to tread the boards again.

It comes as devastating blow to Jenny who had vowed to carry on with the show despite suffering pain after she tore ligaments in her shoulder.

The TV babe tripped up backstage on Friday during one of her costume changes and had to be rushed to the Royal Liverpool Hospital by ambulance,

And the 25-year-old star had to be prescribed strong pain killers for her agonising shoulder injury.

Jennifer is sharing top bill in the show, billed as Britain's most lavish and costly panto which is sold out and playing to packed audiences at Liverpool Empire Theatre.

A theatre insider said: "Jenny was incredibly brave. She came into the theatre with every intention of going on with the show.

"But she was clearly not well and they called a doctor to her and he said that she has influenza and needs to rest.

"She is very disappointed but everyone knows that she is such a professional that she will be back as soon as she can."

A Liverpool Empire spokesman declined to comment.