Kimberley steps out in Shrek

Girls Aloud star takes to the stage in musical adaptation...

10:37 09 December 2011

Girls Aloud member Kimberley Walsh is set to take to the stage tonight as Princess Fiona in the musical adaptation of childrenÂ’s favourite, Shrek.

The role was originally played by Amanda Holden, but heavily pregnant with just two months to go until her due date, Amanda has given up the role in order to focus on her pregnancy and family.

Kimberley, who will perform her first show as the leading lady tonight, told the Mail Online:

"One day when I was rehearsing and she was still in the show I popped up here to have a chat. She said sheÂ’d love to have fulfilled her full run in the show but, at the end of the day, getting pregnant again was all she wanted. 

"It worked for both of us. ItÂ’s meant IÂ’ve been able to have a longer run. All IÂ’ve ever wanted to do is get on a stage and sing. ItÂ’s the magic of performing that matters to me, not the celebrity stuff."

Since the Love Machine star and her fellow band members announced a break two years ago, each has turned their hand to something different, with Nicola Roberts releasing a solo album and her own make up brand and Cheryl becoming a talent judge.

Meanwhile, Kimberley has focused on acting with a part in Horrid Henry and now with a leading role in a West End musical.

The band has promised fans that they will reunite but, with their solo careers just taking off, it doesnÂ’t look like a reunion will happen in the foreseeable future.