Connie Fisher quits 'The Sound of Music' tour over throat problems

Connie Fisher has been forced to withdraw from her role in The Sound of Music tour due to a throat condition.

The 28-year-old How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? winner had been starring as Maria von Trapp alongside Jason Donovan in a travelling production of the musical, but announced today that she would be unable to continue with remaining engagements in Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle and London.

"After many months of battling with a throat condition, known as congenital sulcus vocals, my vocal range has altered dramatically and it is with much regret that I have to withdraw from The Sound of Music as I no longer have the range to sing the part of Maria," she said in a statement.

"My journey with this amazing show has been such a magical one and I am devastated that I am not able to close the tour."

Fisher first won the coveted role after emerging victorious from Andrew Lloyd Webber's BBC talent show in 2006. She played Maria in the West End production of The Sound of Music until February 2008.

Fisher had been due to continue on The Sound of Music tour until its final date in Wimbledon's New Theatre on October 22.

The Welsh star was previously forced to cancel her 2009 UK tour to undergo surgery on her vocal chords.

Watch Connie Fisher in The Sound of Music stage show below: