Snobby critics don’t bother me, says Dooley ahead of theatre debut

STACEY DOOLEY, the television presenter, has said the theatre world has an “element of snobbery” ahead of her acting debut.

Luton-born Dooley, 37, is taking on the role of Jenny, previously played by singers Cheryl and Lily Allen, in the

West End supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Gielgud Theatre.

Dooley, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 with Kevin Clifton, was asked if she was nervous theatre critics might be harsh in their reviews during an interview on BBC Breakfast yesterday.

She replied: “I think there has always been an element of snobbery surrounding that world, and that’s why it’s felt like certain sections of society, they can’t tap into … you know I mean, a certain demographic. But I feel like this play… doesn’t feel too highbrow or [like] people [are] sat there with their arms folded, saying, ‘Right, you know, impress me’. It’s an experience and it’s a ‘The show is an experience and it’s a ghost story… it’s quite thought-provoking. I’m not fussed about critics’

ghost story… it’s quite thought-provoking. So I’m not too fussed about the critics and again, it’s so subjective.” Dooley said the conversation in the play is “very ordinary” and it was a “total joy” to work with the rest of the cast, which includes James Buckley, the Inbetweeners actor, as colourful dinner guest Ben.

The show, directed by Matthew Dunster, sees Jenny raise concerns about her home being haunted. Jenny and husband Sam, played by Joe Mcfadden, argue with their dinner guests, an old friend Lauren, played by Donna Air, and her new partner Ben as belief and scepticism clash.

Dooley has presented an episode of called

Her documentaries include