Former X Factor sensation Lucie Jones has shared her plans to make a swift return to the spotlight just three months after giving birth. She is set to take on the starring role in Waitress as the musical resumes its tour across the UK and Ireland this fall.

The 35-year-old Welsh singer, currently eight months pregnant with her first child, took to social media to announce her upcoming return to the stage in October. Lucie expressed her excitement about reprising the character of Jenna, stating that she is ready to “clock in for another shift” at the diner.

Replacing Carrie Hope Fletcher, the younger sister of Tom Fletcher from McFly and composer of the Paddington the musical, Lucie will step into the lead role for the tour. However, Carrie, aged 33 and a fellow musical theater performer, has offered a candid word of caution to her friend regarding the challenges of returning to work shortly after becoming a mother.

Fans reacted to the news with mixed feelings, expressing concerns about Lucie’s quick return to such a demanding role after welcoming her baby daughter in July. Some followers emphasized the pressure that may come with returning to work soon after pregnancy, while others praised Lucie for her dedication and wished her strength in balancing motherhood and her career.

Lucie and her boyfriend George Hersey confirmed their pregnancy in January, sharing their joy with a heartwarming Instagram post featuring a scan picture of their baby girl, due in the summer. This announcement followed Lucie’s public acknowledgment of her new relationship following her split from X Factor alum Ethan Boroian, 36, with whom she had tied the knot in 2017 before quietly divorcing last year.

Rising to fame on The X Factor in 2009, Lucie’s powerful vocals captivated audiences, propelling her into a successful career that includes performances in Les Misérables, Wicked, and Waitress, as well as representing the UK at Eurovision in 2017.