Kelly, 22, will begin performing at the Cambridge Theatre on September 10 in the role of Mama Morton, which earned Queen Latifah an Academy Award nomination in the film version of the musical. She said of her new role, "It's been a dream of mine to be in the West End. I can't wait to work with such an amazing cast."

Chicago producer Barry Weissler said, "We're very excited that Kelly is joining the production. She's internationally recognised, she's unique — it's the perfect match."

When Perez Hilton posted the photos to his site, implying that they had been heavily digitally altered, Kelly wrote back, "Hey Perez, you gaylord! Believe it or not, little Miss Osbourne has lost weight and the only thing that they retouched was my double chin and that bit under your arm pit that can sometimes look like a vagina. Now who wouldn't want that? Love ya, Kel"

Kelly did forget to mention that her numerous tattoos were also removed from the promotional photos.