X Factor legend to star in musical about Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski crash-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial is being turned into a musical (Picture: Rick Bowmer-Pool/Getty Images)

Former X Factor star Diana Vickers is about to star in a production that re-tells the story of one of the most talked-about pop culture moments in recent years.

The performer, 32, first found fame as a finalist on the now-defunct ITV reality series in 2008.

Diana, who famously regularly performed in bare feet, went on to be mentored in the Girls category by Cheryl Cole and was named in 4th place at the end of the season.

In the years since she’s continued releasing music, but has also pursued various acting projects, making her debut in the West End show The Rise and Fall of Little Voice in 2009.

She’s now announced her next venture – starring as Gwyneth Paltrow in the musical I Wish You Well.

Sharing the news on social media alongside a poster for the show, she wrote: ‘It’s going to be iconic. Thank you @gwynethpaltrow for bringing us the moment we never knew we needed.

Former X Factor star Diana Vickers will be playing the Hollywood actress (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Diana placed fourth in the 2008 season of the ITV reality show (Picture: Ken McKay/Shutterstock)

‘So excited to be working with the most powerhouse team!’

The show, which will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, will be directed by Shiv Rabheru (resident director on Hamilton) and features musical direction by Debbi Clark.

Produced by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers the Musical), it is also being choreographed by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

For those who missed the infamous ski trial, in 2023 the Hollywood actress was sued by retired optometrist Terry Sanderson over an incident at Deer Valley resort in Utah in 2016, in which he claimed that he was left with several broken ribs and severe head injuries.

Gwyneth was eventually found to not be at fault for the ski accident (Picture: Rick Bowmer-Pool/Getty Images)

While he was seeking $300,000 in damages, Gwyneth filed a counterclaim for $1, saying the 76-year-old had crashed into her, resulting in her losing ‘half a day of skiing’ with her family.

She was eventually cleared of all fault, but not before the public became incredibly invested in what was playing out, which was also filmed and streamed online.

At the conclusion of the case, Gwyneth approached Sanderson and whispered something in his ear, which he later said was: ‘I wish you well.’

Many called her comments ‘iconic’, while others said her parting words were ‘pure troll behaviour’.

After Diana revealed the courtroom drama was set to play out on stage, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Actor Joey Phillips quipped: ‘Ski you in court.’

Meanwhile Ciaran Sammon wrote: ‘Is this really real? Because I will go to every performance!’

‘ARE YOU KIDDING? This will be the cultural highlight of 2024,’ Thomas Flynn added.

I Wish You Well will run from July 31 until August 26 at George Square in Edinburgh.

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