Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver swaps boots for Broadway

Reece Weaver's retirement from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders came as a shock to her squad and growing fan base

Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver has shelved her cowboy boots and swapped the football pitch for the stage as she steps into one of the most famous roles in the world.

Making her Broadway debut in the musical Chicago, she faced criticism that it was her profile, more than her talent, which landed her the role.

"The audience loved her," says Sealy Sikes, who attended the opening night with her mum Tammy Pack.

Sikes says she was less familiar with fan favourite Weaver before the curtain went up and was impressed with how she commanded the stage.

"It was a little bit shaky at the beginning, but if I wasn't hyper aware that it was her first time, I wouldn't have even thought anything about it."

Sealy Sikes attended the opening night of Chicago with her mum Tammy Pack, who is a huge DCC fan

But the decision to cast a celebrity - known as stunt casting - meant Sikes was "nervous" for Weaver and whether she could translate her skills from the football field to the stage.

"She's a great singer but of the three talents that's probably not her strong suit, relatively speaking.

And while stunt casting is criticised for taking roles from actors, Sikes says it might actually be a positive thing for long running shows like Chicago, which is the longest running show on Broadway.

Reece Weaver (far left) was open about her theatrical ambitions after she left the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

When her casting was confirmed, Weaver said it was one of her "biggest dreams as a performer" to be on Broadway.