'The weight is heavy but the message is important': Fleur East on becoming Tina Turner
The singer-turned-presenter Fleur East will make her theatrical debut next month when she steps into the stilettos of Tina Turner - all while presenting her 6am breakfast show on Hits Radio.
"At first I felt like I was slotting into this iconic company that exists and this music that has been around for 7 years, but now I feel like I have a responsibility to go out with a bang and do Tina Turner's story justice" says Fleur.
And that story is an important one.
The musical charts the life and legacy of Tina Turner from her humble beginnings in Nutbush Tennessee, to her abusive relationship with the much older rock and roll musician Ike Turner in the 60's, to her iconic performance in front of 18,000 adoring fans at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which would go on to make history for having the largest paying audience for a single artist at the time.
"It's very heavy at times because there are some real serious scenes that I have to be involved in, and I can feel that and the weight of it is heavy, but it helps me realise how important the message is and why it's such an incredible role to play," Fleur says.
Speaking at rehearsals in London, Fleur continues: "It opens with the scene of Tina at the bottom of the stairs, she's about to perform in Rio, it's an epic performance, she's got the red leather dress on and the iconic Tina hair. Then we go to the beginning where it all began and we see Tina's story and understand her background, her roots and what makes Tina the woman that she is... by the end it's a perfect journey because you learn every single facet of her."
But in a saturated market where it can feel like every new musical is either based on the life of, or set to the music of, what makes Tina: The Tina Turner Musical special is that is was made in association with the woman herself.
Today, the shows director, Phyllida Lloyd who also brought us blockbusters like The Iron Lady and Mamma Mia!, reveals how her story so nearly never made it to the stage.
"Tina didn't want it to happen at first," Phyllida says. "She said she got so many letters from people saying what an inspiration she'd been to them, not just her music, but her life story and felt if she could go on inspiring people to make that blow for freedom that she made then it would be worth trying to make the musical."
Since it's opening in the West End in 2018 - which Tina herself was present for - eight million people have watched eight women embody the music legend. Tina passed in 2023 aged 83 and today the musical serves as a homage to her strength and talent. But how do you know someone is cut out to play the Queen of Rock and Roll?
"Spontaneity" says Phyllida, "You are looking for the most positive spirit you could possibly find, a triple threat, someone who can dance sing and act, so that's the miracle of Karis and Fleur who haven't come from this world of drama."
Next month, when Fleur walks out on stage at London's Aldwych Theatre, she'll undoubtably be aware of the big boots she has to fill - she is sharing the role with performer Karis Anderson who has been playing the musical icon for the last five years.
But, this is not the first time Fleur's world has collided with the Queen of Rock's. During her stint on The X Factor, where she first rose to prominence, Fleur performed Turner's A Fool in Love.A year later on her debut album Fleur penned a tribute to the singer in her song Kitchen writing "What's love got to do with it, Tina, Tina, Tina, turn it up".
Then in 2023 following her participation in Strictly Come Dancing, Fleur returned to the dancefloor to perform a tribute to Tina alongside Beverly Knight and Laura Mvula.
Today she says it feels like a full circle moment.
"I feel like I've definitely channeled Tina over the years as a performer. I've studied Tina, her dynamic energy, just the way she would come alive on stage. I've watched so many performances of hers. So for me, it does feel like a full circle moment.
It feels like Tina has always been with me as a performer and as a singer, it's a real honour."
Fleur will perform in the musical from Tuesday 24 June to Saturday 13 September 2025 marking the end of its West End run.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
9 hours ago
- The Independent
'Mamma Mia!' returns to Broadway after a decade away, bringing the dance party back to New York
When the musical 'Mamma Mia!' said goodbye to Broadway a decade ago, there were tears and hugs and tons of applause. In the audience of its last show, one woman wasn't entirely buying it. 'I felt then that it wasn't goodbye forever. I felt we'd be back one day,' says producer Judy Craymer, who had conceived of the show in the 1980s. 'I always hoped.' That one day has become today as the ABBA-fueled, feel-good musical returns to its first home on Broadway, the Winter Garden Theatre. It reopens Thursday night. 'It's like when you go to visit the old place where you went to high school,' says Victor Wallace, who made his Broadway debut in the show in 2012, stayed to the final curtain in 2015 and has returned. 'There's so many backstage stories and people and I'm a little overwhelmed.' Fans have fueled the return of 'Mamma Mia!' to make it among the top earners on Broadway, last week grossing $1.57 million over seven previews, fourth behind only 'Wicked,' 'The Lion King' and 'Hamilton.' 'A time of peril' 'Mamma Mia!' endured plenty during its first Broadway life — wars, hurricanes, the 2008 financial meltdown, the move to a smaller theater and critics, who never warmed to the show's high-energy sweetness. A hit in London — where it is still playing — 'Mamma Mia!' opened in New York just a few weeks after the 2001 terror attacks when there was deep gloom and anxiety. Christine Sherrill, who recently toured as the show's mom and is now making her Broadway debut in the role, says audiences are responding to another time of stress. 'We're kind of in a time of peril again, where communities are divided. So to be able to go into some of these cities and have 3,000 people — who would never find themselves enjoying the same thing outside of the theater — sitting there all enjoying this communal experience is really interesting.' The show, featuring more than 20 classic ABBA hits, including 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo,' has been a smash in dozens of countries, including South Korea, Italy, Denmark, South Africa and Spain. Craymer sees the data about the new flock of theatergoers and notes this 'Mamma Mia!' is popular with groups. 'There were people that had seen it on Broadway — probably when they were younger — and now coming back in their 20s and 30s and then bringing their daughters or family.' A Greek story is born Craymer decades ago approached members of ABBA and made her pitch: Instead of doing a musical about the band, she insisted that their songs help tell an original story. Craymer teamed up with playwright Catherine Johnson, and a story set on a Greek island was born about a young woman who is about to be married and wants her father to give her away. But she's not sure who he is, so she invites her mom's three former lovers to her wedding. The musical prompted Craymer to produce a movie version starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, that became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. A sequel, 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,' came out a decade later. ABBA's music continues to be the backdrop for numerous popular TikTok trends. In some way mirroring the joy onstage, backstage at 'Mamma Mia!' is a party backstage, too, with milestones celebrated, outings, door decorating contests and gatherings 'Because of the nature of the show, I think it just bleeds into life backstage and that joy that you see on stage, it just overflows into our lives,' says Wallace. Themes of the 'Mamma' Wallace, who started in the musical's ensemble and grew to play the young leading man, Sky, and now is one of the three possible dads, says the show is about friendship, parenthood, hope and second chances. 'It's always surprising how the show surprises you emotionally,' he says. 'It's a great time. It's fun. But I think people identify with these themes and these characters and I think that people are caught off guard as to how the show captures their heart and moves them.' Sherrill looks at the story through a mother's eyes and realizes she's a different person than she was before she had twins. She offers another theme. 'It's a lot about finding your identity,' she says. 'I think that appeals to people on all levels — all people, all levels. Everyone's trying to figure out who they are and what the best version of themselves is. So, I think, that's sort of a universal message that's really playing on people's heartstrings as well, at least mine.'
South Wales Guardian
11 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Ex-Apprentice star Tom Skinner among trio of celebrities announced for Strictly
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis were also confirmed as contestants on the BBC dancing show on Thursday. It comes after Skinner, 34, met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, with Skinner – who befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X – describing the event as 'once in a lifetime'. Speaking about taking part in the show, Skinner said: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. 'I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time, but stepping on to the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff. 'I've never danced in my life other than at weddings, but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and, most importantly, the bosh to the ballroom.' Skinner teased his Strictly appearance on social media before it was confirmed by former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson on Hits Radio on Thursday. In a post on X, he said: 'I better start learning how to dance. Honestly over the moon to be asked to be a contestant on @bbcstrictly – can't wait to learn and give it me best shot. Bosh.' Pattison, who has previously been crowned queen of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and appeared on Ex On The Beach, was announced as the show's 11th contestant on ITV's This Morning. She said: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. 'I am not a natural dancer. However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way, and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself.' Pattison said she had 'watched the show for years' with her grandmother, and added she found it 'really flattering' to be picked for Strictly. Dennis, who is also known for his 1989 single Don't It Make You Feel Good which reached number 16 in the UK chart, was announced as the 12th contestant on This Morning. A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) Speaking on the show, he said: 'I'm very, very excited to be doing something that is completely and utterly out of my comfort zone. 'But also, because of that, quietly petrified.' Dennis continued: 'My gorgeous wife, wherever she is, she's somewhere out there, Gail, is a professional dancer and she's been trying to teach me in the most frustrating way for her, I'm sure. 'Because I just keep burying my head in the sand going, 'No, this is not happening', she's been giving me some good tips but that doesn't mean I'm any good. 'People are going to be sick of me by the end of the year, because not only am I going to be doing Strictly, with all that coverage, but also Neighbours is on until the end of the year, because even though we finished filming a month ago, it's on air until December.' Skinner's appearance comes after he recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts which drew criticism from some of his followers. I better start learning how to dance 😂😂 Honestly over the moon to be asked to be a contestant on @bbcstrictly – Can't wait to learn and give it me best shot. Bosh❤️ — Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 14, 2025 In the tweets, he said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, calling the city 'hostile' and 'tense'. On The Apprentice, Skinner was fired by Lord Alan Sugar in week nine during the show's 15th series in 2019, but he has since made his name as a social media celebrity, posting videos from his favourite east London cafe showing him eating breakfast and giving motivational speeches to his followers. The trio will join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. In July, the BBC announced two 'incredible' new professional dancers, US-born Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon, will be joining Strictly. The popular show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas as judges.
Leader Live
11 hours ago
- Leader Live
Ex-Apprentice star Tom Skinner among trio of celebrities announced for Strictly
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis were also confirmed as contestants on the BBC dancing show on Thursday. It comes after Skinner, 34, met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, with Skinner – who befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X – describing the event as 'once in a lifetime'. Speaking about taking part in the show, Skinner said: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. 'I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time, but stepping on to the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff. 'I've never danced in my life other than at weddings, but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and, most importantly, the bosh to the ballroom.' Skinner teased his Strictly appearance on social media before it was confirmed by former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson on Hits Radio on Thursday. In a post on X, he said: 'I better start learning how to dance. Honestly over the moon to be asked to be a contestant on @bbcstrictly – can't wait to learn and give it me best shot. Bosh.' Pattison, who has previously been crowned queen of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and appeared on Ex On The Beach, was announced as the show's 11th contestant on ITV's This Morning. She said: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. 'I am not a natural dancer. However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way, and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself.' Pattison said she had 'watched the show for years' with her grandmother, and added she found it 'really flattering' to be picked for Strictly. Dennis, who is also known for his 1989 single Don't It Make You Feel Good which reached number 16 in the UK chart, was announced as the 12th contestant on This Morning. A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) Speaking on the show, he said: 'I'm very, very excited to be doing something that is completely and utterly out of my comfort zone. 'But also, because of that, quietly petrified.' Dennis continued: 'My gorgeous wife, wherever she is, she's somewhere out there, Gail, is a professional dancer and she's been trying to teach me in the most frustrating way for her, I'm sure. 'Because I just keep burying my head in the sand going, 'No, this is not happening', she's been giving me some good tips but that doesn't mean I'm any good. 'People are going to be sick of me by the end of the year, because not only am I going to be doing Strictly, with all that coverage, but also Neighbours is on until the end of the year, because even though we finished filming a month ago, it's on air until December.' Skinner's appearance comes after he recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts which drew criticism from some of his followers. I better start learning how to dance 😂😂 Honestly over the moon to be asked to be a contestant on @bbcstrictly – Can't wait to learn and give it me best shot. Bosh❤️ — Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 14, 2025 In the tweets, he said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, calling the city 'hostile' and 'tense'. On The Apprentice, Skinner was fired by Lord Alan Sugar in week nine during the show's 15th series in 2019, but he has since made his name as a social media celebrity, posting videos from his favourite east London cafe showing him eating breakfast and giving motivational speeches to his followers. The trio will join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. In July, the BBC announced two 'incredible' new professional dancers, US-born Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon, will be joining Strictly. The popular show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas as judges.
