Laura Whitmore to make West End debut in major thriller

Laura Whitmore will make her West End debut in '2.22 - A Ghost Story'.

The 'Love Island' host will take on the role of Jenny and rediscover her "love" for theatre as she joins the cast of the extended West End run of Danny Robins' thriller at London's Criterion Theatre.

In a statement, she said: "I’m so excited to be making my West End debut playing Jenny in the next production of '2:22'.

"Theatre has always been my first love and I can’t wait to get back on stage.

"I am a huge fan of the previous productions and delighted to be getting stuck in with rehearsals and working alongside such a hugely talented cast and team.”

She will be joined in the new cast by Tamsin Carroll (Lauren), Felix Scott (Sam) and Matt Willis (Ben).

The production first launched at the Noel Coward Theatre last summer before starting a 10-week run at the Gielgud Theatre on December 4 2021, followed by its initial stint at the Criterion Theatre.

Director Matthew Dunster said: "This is our 4th West End cast. We have already done over 100 performances at the Criterion and over a year in the West End in total.

"These are the shows you dream of being involved in. To reach, entertain and frighten as many people as we have feels very special.

"The show constantly evolves; each brilliant cast teaches us new things about Danny’s play and surprises our audiences, many of whom come again and again to experience the new life of the play."

The show follows Jenny, who believes her new home is haunted while her husband Sam isn't having any of it.

The synopsis adds: "They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again?

"Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they are going to stay up… until 2.22am… and then they will know."

Writer Robins added: "I love the fact that, like Doctor Who, we keep regenerating and we have some truly thrilling performers here. How exciting is it to be looking forward to Laura Whitmore's stage debut?

"And Matt Willis has more than proved himself to be a brilliant, explosive actor in recent years. Felix and Tamsin make up our foursome - both absolutely epic talents."