Julia Sawalha has hit out at the producers of a Chicken Run sequel, claiming they have discriminated against her due to her age.
The 51-year-old actress, who famously starred in Absolutely Fabulous, was the voice of Ginger in the original 2000 stop-motion animated film by Aardman Animations.
Julia, then 30, had one of the main voice roles alongside Mel Gibson, with Ginger being the main chicken in the coop, though she didn't quite rule the roost.
Her character is described as "a hen who is determined to save her fellow chickens from their impending doom on the Tweedys' farm.
"She is usually the one that comes up with ideas and is generally more intelligent than the other chickens."
In an open letter that she posted on Twitter, it would seem that Julia will not be getting the chance to reprise the role as it has been deemed that her voice is now "too old" for the character and a younger actress will be cast to voice the role.
Julia has called out the producers for ageism and addressed the letter to her followers, starting with "Dear Reader."
She went on to detail what happened: "Last week I was informed out of the blue, via email, through my agent that I would not be cast as Ginger in the Chicken Run sequel.
"The reason they gave is that my voice now sounds ‘too old’ and they want a younger actress to reprise the role.
"Usually in these circumstances, an actress would be given the chance to do a voice test in order to determine the suitability of their pitch and tone, I however was not given this opportunity."
Julia continued: "I am passionate about my work and I don’t go down without a fight, so I did my own voice test at home and sent it to the producers, which you can view here.
"Today I received a very kind and thoughtfully written response from one of the creatives, outlining their decision, most notably saying 'Some of the voices (not yours, I agree) definitely sound older'.
"However, they stated 'We will be going ahead to re-cast the voice of Ginger'."
An angry Julia continued: "I received my letter of dismissal the day before it was announced that the ‘Lone Free Ranger’ had been axed from the sequel and that the character of Rocky [originally voiced by Mel Gibson] was to be re-voiced.
"The reason given was that his voice is now too old. I feel I have been fobbed off with the same excuse.
"I went to great lengths to prove to the production that my voice is nigh on the same as it was in the original film.
"If they will be using some of the original cast members... let’s be frank, I feel I have been unfairly dismissed."
Julia expressed her feelings on the matter, continuing: "To say I am devastated and furious would be an understatement. I feel totally powerless, something in all of this doesn’t quite ring true.
"I trust my instincts and they are waving red flags.
"I am saddened that I have lost the chance to work with Nick Park and Peter Lord from whom I learnt so much. The three of us, together, created Ginger.
"Today I responded by wishing the production the best of luck and the greatest success with the sequel.
"There is nothing more I can do, other than to thank all of you who loved and still love Chicken Run, as I do.
"I’m off for the chop now, Ginger x"
Chicken Run 2 is due for release next year and is being directed by Sam Fell, who also directed Flushed Away and Paranorman.
According to IMDb website, the only credited performers for the movie so far are Julia's Absolutely Fabulous co-star Jane Horrocks, as well as Lynn Ferguson and Greg Salata, with Jim Broadbent tipped for a role in the film.
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