LUCAS Rush will be "playing a man masquerading as a woman" in the York run of the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Grand Opera House from tonight.

He has taken over the role of Mrs Meers, which has been re-written for him, after being performed initially on tour by former EastEnders and Coronation Street soap star Michelle Collins.

She appeared on the show's posters around York but it turned out she had been booked for only the first six weeks of the itinerary. Lucas Rush joins the company with effect from this week, while Michelle Collins has moved on to the world premiere of a new Stewart Permutt play, A Dark Night In Dalston, a two-hander that she is producing as well as starring in at Park Theatre from March 7.  

Thoroughly Modern Millie, featuring Strictky Come Dancing champion dancer Joanne Clifton as Millie, will be in York until Saturday. Tickets can be booked on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york