Rachel Zegler returned in her lead role in the musical Evita on Friday, July 25, a day after stepping out mid-show on Thursday, July 24. The actress reportedly left due to an illness, after which her understudy, Bella Brown, stepped in for the second half. She appeared back onstage in London just a night after her mid-show exit. The 24-year-old is currently making her London stage debut as Eva Perón in director Jamie Lloyd`s revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic rock opera.

Rachel Zegler`s understudy Bella Brown receives a standing ovation

According to People, Zegler’s departure from the show was announced during intermission. She reportedly fell ill, due to which she had to exit. Post which her understudy, Bella Brown, stepped in and took over the lead role of Eva Perón midway through Act 2 of Thursday`s performance.  Interestingly, Brown went in to receive a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes.

Following the show, Brown shared an Instagram story where she said, “Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry. They are pillars of a show!! A proud day to be at Evita.“ Notably, Brown and the rest of the cast also took 10 bows.