The X Factor legend to play Gwyneth Paltrow in musical about ski crash trial
Former The X Factor sensation Diana Vickers is set to take on the role of Gwyneth Paltrow in a new musical based on the Hollywood star's ski trial, which made headlines last year.
The production called, Wish You Well, will dramatise the events of Gwyneth's 2023 legal battle that stemmed from a skiing incident at Utah's Deer Valley Resort in 2016.
Gwyneth, 51, found herself in court after retired optometrist Terry Sanderson accused her of crashing into him on the slopes, causing serious injuries including broken ribs and sought $300,000 in compensation. The A-lister, however, filed a symbolic counterclaim for a single dollar, insisting it was Sanderson who crashed into her, ruining a family ski day.
The case, which was closely watched by the public on live television, ultimately saw Gwyneth exonerated. A particularly unforgettable moment came when Gwyneth, at the end of the trial, leaned in and quietly told Sanderson: "I wish you well".
As Gwyneth exited the courtroom she was seen touching Mr Sanderson on the shoulder and whispering something to him. Mr Sanderson later told reporters outside court following the verdict, the actress had said “I wish you well”, adding that it had been “very kind”.
“I said ‘thank you dear’,” he said.
Diana, 32, has now confirmed that she will be playing Gwyneth in a musical based on the trial.
Announcing the news on Instagram, she wrote: "Its going to be iconic. Thank you @gwynethpaltrow for bringing us the moment we never knew we needed. So excited to be working with the most power house team!"
Fans soon expressed how excited they were, as one person wrote: "This sounds so made up but I'm obsessed.", reports the Mirror.
Another said: "ARE YOU KIDDING? This will be the cultural highlight of 2024", while a third commented: "Is this really real? Because I will go to every performance! ".
Diana first made a name for herself as a finalist on The X Factor in 2008. Since then, she's not only continued her music career, but also branched out into acting, making her West End debut in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice in 2009.
The show, which is set to premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, will be directed by Shiv Rabheru, who is currently the resident director on Hamilton, with musical direction by Debbi Clark. The production was brought to life by Paul Taylor-Mills and will be choreographed by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.
