Ugly Betty's America Ferrera to star in Chicago

By Jenna Gregory on Tuesday 11 October 2011

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You couldn’t find characters at further ends of the spectrum than this, but America Ferrera is hanging up her ponchos and spectacles and ditching her Ugly Betty role to become the new sexy star Roxie Hart in musical Chicago.

SEE PICTURES OF AMERICA FERRERA ON HER GLAMOUROUS MARIE CLAIRE SHOOT

Ferrera’s trademark role of Betty Suarez the dowdy magazine publishing assistant came to an end after four seasons of the show last year.

She’ll now be swapping the braces for red lipstick and slipping on the iconic sexy black leotard to play the murderous Roxie Hart.

The 27-year-old actress will take over the role at the musical’s new home of the Garrick Theatre in London's West End from 7 November.

America will follow on from a long list of celebrities who have played the role of Roxie, including Christie Brinkley, Denise Van Outen, Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams, Brooke Shields and Ashlee Simpson.

Renee Zellweger was also nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Roxie in the 2002 film with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Ferrera will play the role of the scheming murderess for an eight-week run and will help celebrate the show's 15th year in London on its anniversary on 18 November.

Ferrera's on stage acting won't end there though, as she will then be flying back across the pond for her Broadway debut in a revival of Beth Henley’s 1984 play, The Miss Firecracker Contest.

SEE PICTURES OF AMERICA FERRERA ON HER GLAMOUROUS MARIE CLAIRE SHOOT