Hollyoaks newcomer Summer Strallen is apparently quitting the show after landing a lead role in London's West End. Strallen, who joined the popular Channel 4 soap in October as student Summer Shaw, is rumoured to be taking over from Connie Fisher as Maria von Trapp in the West End musical The Sound Of Music. Fisher won the part on reality show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Hollyoaks recently made headlines when it was announced that Andrew Lloyd Webber would appear on several episodes at the end of January. Strallen's character is a theatre student who has clashed with local wannabe thespian Steph Dean (Carley Stenson) in her quest to be a stage star. She will travel to London with her boyfriend OB (Darren Jeffries) to meet the legendary composer and beg to audition for one of his musicals. Shaw will reportedly land the role of Maria von Trapp when she impresses Lloyd Webber with her voice - and allegedly, life will imitate art as Strallen also lands the part. The 24-year-old has a theatre pedigree - her aunt is musical star Bonnie Langford. The scenes, due to be aired from January 28, were filmed in late November at the London Palladium, where The Sound Of Music is performed. Nothing has been confirmed by Strallen's spokesperson and an official announcement has yet to be made.
