A true star, Stacey Dooley reveals an incredible career change away from television

Broadcast journalist Stacey Dooley is about to make a surprising career change away from the TV world.

The star, who is best known for presenting hard-hitting documentaries, will join the cast for the return of 2:22 – A ghost story in London’s West End.

In her role as Jenny, 37-year-old Stacey will appear alongside Inbetweeners star James Buckley, who takes on the role of Ben.

“I’m so excited to be involved in the next adaptation of 2:22,” Stacey said of her new role.

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“I’m made up. I fell for the play when I went to see it in 2022. All four characters feel so familiar, which means the subtle ‘ghost story’ just works so brilliantly. I can’t wait to bring Jenny back to life. Let’s go.” Revealing the news on Instagram, she added: “Wheeyyyyyyyy! WEST END BABY! Delighted! I can’t wait to sink my teeth into Jenny.”

Meanwhile, James, 36, said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of 2.22 again. It’s such a brilliant play and to be back in such a brilliant theatre. It will be great to play Ben again and now all I need to do is make sure I remember the lines. I can’t wait to see everyone there.

The West End production, directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr, will run for a strictly limited ten-week season at the Gielgud Theater, with previews from May 25 and shows until August 4.

A plethora of famous faces have starred in the award-winning play since its 2020 debut, including Lily Allen, Jake Wood, Giovanna Fletcher, Laura Whitmore, Frankie Bridge and Jay McGuiness.

It’s been a busy year for documentary filmmaker Stacey, thanks in part to the arrival of her newest family member: baby Minnie. Stacey and her partner Kevin Clifton welcomed their bundle of joy into the world in January last year, with the couple announcing their happy family news on Instagram.

Earlier this year, the couple celebrated Minnie’s milestone birthday when she turned one. The proud parents couldn’t believe how quickly the past 12 months had gone by and shared a heartfelt tribute to their little one on social media, saying they were ‘obsessed’ with their daughter.

Alongside a heartwarming video, proud dad Kevin wrote: “My little girl is 1 year old today!!” while Stacey gushed in a separate post: “MY BABY IS ONE TMRO (sic) One?! Minnie, we are FOREVER OBSESSED with you (sic). The love of our lives.

“My best, best little friend. Stay radiant showstopper… LOVE YOU ENDLESSLY.”

Since welcoming their daughter, Stacey and Kevin have been incredibly transparent about their new roles as new parents. During a candid conversation with HELLO! the presenter said: “It’s hard not to fall into clichés when I’m asked this, but honestly, becoming a mother has completely changed me.

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“Every stage is a surprise! The emotions are completely overwhelming. I’m obsessed! My priorities have shifted enormously. My daughter is the love of my life… So corny but so true!”