A spokesperson for Jimmy Osmond today confirmed “On the evening of Thursday December 27th after pushing through the evening’s performance of Peter Pan at Birmingham Hippodrome, Jimmy Osmond was driven straight to hospital and diagnosed with a stroke. He is grateful for all the well wishes and will be taking time out in the new year.”

Theatre, recording and TV star Darren Day will replace Jimmy Osmond in the role of Captain Hook in Birmingham Hippodrome’s production of Peter Pan from later this week. Darren started rehearsal for the role today and will be appearing on the Hippodrome stage from later this week. Jimmy’s understudy, Luke Redford, will continue to cover the role while Darren prepares to take on the part.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Fiona Allan said; “Everyone here at Birmingham Hippodrome has been deeply saddened to hear of Jimmy’s sudden illness. Jimmy loved being a part of the Hippodrome’s well-renowned panto, and his portrayal of Captain Hook was both dastardly and heartwarming. He won the adoration not just of our audiences, but also of all our staff – we all send Jimmy and his family very best wishes for a speedy recovery.”