Miranda Hart has apologised to fans after missing 'Annie' performances.

The 44-year-old actress plays Miss Hannigan in the musical but has been forced to pull out of shows for a week because of a throat infection, and she has said sorry to supporters, especially those travelling "long distances" to see her on stage.

She wrote on Twitter: "All actors will concur, worst thing about the job, getting ill.Hate letting anyone down.Been gutting to be away from @AnnieMusicalUK but

"voice stronger every day. I'm SO sorry to all fans coming long distances. I now know the hazard of my new love - musical theatre. (sic)"

A spokeswoman for the show revealed doctors had diagnosed "an ongoing throat infection", but some fans were devastated at Miranda's absence after forking out for tickets purely to see her.

A show source told The Sun newspaper: "Fans were gutted and were quizzing staff why Miranda didn't turn up. People paid a lot of money for tickets, specifically to see her perform.

"They were angry they were getting the understudy, as good as she was."

However, Miranda, who was replaced by understudy Anne Smith at London's Piccadilly Theatre, is hoping to be well enough to return to the stage this week.

'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Craig Revel Horwood will takeover from Miranda in the role of Miss Hannigan from September 18 on the West End.

He portrayed the character in 2015 in Nikolai Foster's production, and can't wait to do so again.

Craig said: "I am so pleased to be returning to the West End especially to a role I had such a brilliant time performing on tour.

"Miss Hanningan is evil, sassy and fab-u-lous.

"It will be a real challenge for me not to take her man-hungry, wicked ways to the 'Strictly' judging panel each Saturday night - though I'm sure my fellow judges will keep me in check! I can't wait to get started."

Miranda's 'Annie' absence comes after she had to pull out of last year's 'Call the Midwife' Christmas special due to a mystery illness.