Connie Fisher has had to pull out of the role of Maria in the tour of ‘The Sound of Music’ which includes performances at Wales Millennium Centre later this month.

Connie has been suffering from a vocal condition which has compromised her singing voice. Despite intensive therapy and coaching her voice has not recovered sufficiently for her to tackle the demands of the role of Maria.

Connie said: "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.

"My journey with this amazing show has been such a magical one and I am devastated that I am not able to close the tour. I have loved every minute of working with Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and the cast and crew of ‘The Sound of Music’ and I am only sorry that I am not able to be with them until the last performance."

Instead, the role of Maria will be played by Verity Rushworth, who has previously played the part in The Sound of Music tour. Verity is probably best known to television viewers as Donna Windsor in ITV1’s ‘Emmerdale’, a role she played for 11 years. Her West End theatre credits include the lead role of Penny Pingleton in ‘Hairspray’.

Jason Donovan will remain in the role of Captain Von Trapp at Wales Millennium Centre and is expected to perform at all performances, subject always to illness and holidays.

‘The Sound of Music’ is at Wales Millennium Centre from 23 August – 3 September 2011. For further information call 029 2063 6464 or visit www.wmc.org.uk.