The Gavin & Stacey star was set to play the title role made famous by Renee Zellweger in the movie adaptation of Bridget Jones's Diary, but she has now pulled out of the project, which was due to launch in the West End in the autumn (12).

Britain's Daily Mail reports the show will now debut in 2013, while an insider adds, ""The show will survive because it's in excellent shape. A great actress is required to play Bridget and whether that great actress is Sheridan Smith or someone else we'll have to see. The person in that role does not have to be a star.""

British singer Lily Allen has written the music for the stage production.