Strictly Come Dancing’s Russell Grant Takes Over for Michael Crawford in The Wizard of Oz

British astrologer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Russell Grant will replace Olivier and Tony Award winner Michael Crawford as the Wizard/Professor Marvel in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz. Grant will play the title role at the London Palladium for a 12-week engagement beginning February 14. He will star alongside Over the Rainbow reality show runner-up Sophie Evans as Dorothy.

Grant and Evans join Edward Baker-Duly as the Tin Man, Martin Callaghan as the Lion, Paul Keating as the Scarecrow, Emily Tierney as Glinda and Marianne Benedict as the Wicked Witch of the West.

The Wizard of Oz tells the classic story of Dorothy Gale and her adventures in the enchanted land of Oz. In addition to the classic numbers from the film, this production includes new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The musical opened at the London Palladium on March 1, 2011.

Grant skyrocketed to fame as the Astrologer Royal to the late Queen Mother. As an actor, he appeared on TV's Canterbury Tales and made his West End debut in the musical Tom Brown’s Schooldays. His other West End and national tour credits include Camille, Hans Andersen and Me And My Gal. Grant also recently appeared on the reality TV program Celebrity Fit Club. Grant will return to the West End after a 34 year absence on January 29 as the snake in a Children of Eden benefit concert.