Actress Helen George, best-known for playing Trixie Franklin in the BBC series Call the Midwife, pulled out The King and I performances at the Cliffs Pavilion last week.

She was due to perform in shows on Friday and Saturday, however, reportedly “injured” herself during Thursday’s night show.

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Helen was in the first half of Thursday night’s show before pulling out during the interval.

She was replaced by her understudy Maria Coyne, who according to social media, theatre-goers also loved.

One social media user said it was “hugely disappointing” that Helen George was not involved.

They wrote: “Hugely disappointing show tonight at the Cliffs Pavilion Southend.

“A packed audience of more than 1,600 people and the lead Helen George fails to show up.

“No warning and no apology despite heavily advertising her lead.”

However, despite the disappointment, many praised the stand in, who they thought did a “great” job.

One tweeted: “Went to see The King and I at Southend Theatre last night.

“Disappointed that Helen George, aka Trixie, was injured but the show was great and the stand in was so good, that I doubt Helen could have done better.”