Darius Danesh's West End run cut short

A West End production of Gone with the Wind starring Darius Danesh is closing early, it has been announced.

The former Popstars contestant debuted in the role of Rhett Butler at the New London theatre in April, starring alongside Jill Paice as Scarlett O'Hara.

Following low ticket sales and a poor response from critics, the production will now complete its run on June 15. Patrons who hold tickets for cancelled performances have been told that they will receive a refund.

"From the beginning of our journey we have all worked hard to achieve the realisation of putting Margaret Mitchell's classic novel, Gone with the Wind, on stage at the New London Theatre," producer Aldo Scrofani explained in a statement. "Despite the critical response the Company have enjoyed much praise from audience members during our run and for that we are grateful, nevertheless we have made the difficult decision to close the production.

"Plans for a New York production are currently on hold but in the meantime we are pursuing various options that have been presented to us from interested parties worldwide."