Michael French Departs Chicago in the West End

Michael French, a former British television star, unexpectedly left the West End company of Chicago this week. He played his final performance as Billy Flynn on April 27, the day before Brooke Shields stepped into the role of Roxie Hart.

French is best known for playing David Wicks on EastEnders and Dr. Tom Gilder on Born and Bred. His West End credits include Art and Les Misérables. He joined the company of Chicago on December 13, taking over for John Barrowman.

According to a report in The Daily Mail, French was let go from the show after he was heard badmouthing Shields backstage. However, an official spokesperson statement simply said that he left to pursue other opportunities.

Understudy Simon Breen is currently playing Flynn alongside Shields' Roxie Hart and Anna Montanaro's Velma Kelly.