Lemon dumped from US Billy

Award-winning Australian actress Genevieve Lemon has been robbed of the chance to play Mrs Wilkinson in the Chicago production of Billy Elliot after American Equity stepped in to block the casting.

Producers have announced that Emily Skinner will instead play the role.

Despite being heavily praised by both the writers and producers of Billy Elliot, there was nothing anyone could do to reverse the decision of Equity.

It is understood that Lemon will now take over the role in the West End production of the hit show from June.