Freddie Fox joins Branagh's Romeo and Juliet after injuries blight lead actors

Fox will join the cast after both Richard Madden and understudy Tom Hanson injured their legs

Actor Freddie Fox has joined Sir Kenneth Branagh's Romeo and Juliet production after an "unfortunate set of circumstances" left the play without both its male lead and his understudy.

Fox will join the cast of the Garrick Theatre play on Tuesday after Richard Madden's stand-in, Tom Hanson, hurt his leg.

Madden is recovering from an injury to his ankle he picked up while running.

Sir Kenneth said he "could not be more thrilled to welcome" Fox to the cast.

"Sometimes things do not go according to plan in the theatre," he said.

"Who would have predicted both Richard and Tom would sustain such unexpected injuries during the same run?

"Our job is to help make sure they both make the best recovery possible, whilst working as hard as we can to provide a great show for audiences."

Game of Thrones actor Madden led the production opposite Cinderella actress Lily James

Fox, who recently played Romeo at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, said he was looking forward to "continuing the exciting work that Richard and Tom have created in this wonderful production, and to bringing my own experience and passion for the role".

A spokeswoman for the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company said they were taking "daily medical advice" on Madden's injury and that he would rejoin the cast as soon as possible.

Madden said it was "hugely frustrating and sad" not to be able to perform, adding that both Hanson and Fox deserved "a big thank you" for stepping in.

The production, which also stars Lily James as Juliet and Sir Derek Jacobi and Meera Syal in the supporting cast, runs at the Garrick until 13 August.

Hanson's role as Paris will be played by Matthew Hawksley.