Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley’s turn as Blanche Barrow in the UK and Ireland tour of Bonnie & Clyde has come to an abrupt end, as the play has been axed with “immediate effect”.

The musical was set to continue its run until October, however, it was reportedly cancelled yesterday evening (May 21) just hours before Tyldesley and her co-stars were set to take to the stage in Southend’s Cliffs Pavillion.

The news was publicly announced via a statement posted to the play’s official X/Twitter account, which read: “Bonnie & Clyde The Musical will conclude its UK & Ireland tour with immediate effect.”

The statement continued: “We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production.

“Ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase shortly with further information.”

Fans expressed their heartbreak over the cancellation in the post’s replies, with one user writing: “Really sorry to read this. Saw it twice in the West End and it’s brilliant. My friend was booked to see it on Saturday on my recommendation.”

“So very sorry to read this, gutted for all involved. It’s a great show, and my opinion on that will never change,” said another, while a third wrote: “So sad to hear this. Was a wonderful show! My love to an excellent cast.”

Digital Spy has reached out to a representative for Tyldesley for comment.

The tour had gotten off to a rough start for Tyldesley, who was forced to pull out of its opening night in Woking last month after falling ill.

“Due to a visually impaired migraine striking moments before curtain up, I am gutted to not be performing tonight,” the actor, who played Eva Price on Corrie between 2011 and 2018, wrote on social media at the time. “But rest assures the incredible [Oonagh Cox] will be absolutely brilliant as Blanche.”