Taron Egerton quits West End show Cock for 'personal reasons' after collapsing on-stage

express.co.uk:

West End show Cock which he was starring in alongside Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey.The actor's exit from the play was announced in a statement made by the show's official Twitter account, which said the star, 32, had left the show for "personal reasons".The Rocketman actor had previously fainted on stage during the opening night of the play and was replaced by his understudy after contracting Covid.In view of their 1,400 followers, the show made the announcement confirming Taron's exit.It read: "Joel Harper-Jackson will take over the role of M in Mike Bartlett's razor sharp, hilarious play Cock until the end of the run."The part was originally played in this production by Taron Egerton, who has had to withdraw from the production due to personal reasons."Joel understudied the role and has been playing the part of M for the past ten days while Taron was absent from the production having tested positive for Covid," it added.The show's director Marianne Elliott branded Joel an "absolute hero" and a "gifted actor", adding that audiences have been "cheering" for him.Meanwhile, the show's star, Bridgerton actor Jonathan, called him an "immense talent", saying that he is "proud" to appear on stage with him.Express.co.uk has contacted Taron's representatives for comment.The play follows John (Jonathan) who falls in love with a woman (Jade Anouka) after going on a break from his long-term boyfriend (Taron).The announcement comes after Taron fainted on stage during the first run of the play.Following the concerning incident, a statement read: "During this evening's first preview of Mike Bartlett's play 'Cock' at the Ambassadors Theatre, Taron Egerton fainted towards the end of the performance."A doctor who was in the audience.