Las Vegas Weekly

September 24, 2012 · 5 PM

‘Peepshow’ replaces Holly Madison by adding Coco to the mix

By John Katsilometes

Ice-T and Coco host and party at LAX in the Luxor on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012.

Photo: Erik Kabik/ErikKabik.com

Ice loves Coco.

Planet Hollywood, too, loves Coco.

Coco Austin, wife of rapper Ice-T and co-star of the E! reality TV series “Ice Loves Coco,” will portray the next Bo Peep in “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood. Her first show is Dec. 3.

The show’s producers, BASE Entertainment, made the announcement this afternoon that Coco is stepping in for Holly Madison, who is almost four months pregnant. Producers also have announced that Madison is leaving the show Oct. 21. She has fulfilled the central role of Bo Peep since joining the cast in June 2009. The show will use ensemble cast members in the lead role until Coco begins.

In a statement released this afternoon, Coco, as she is universally known, said: "When the opportunity to be a part of 'Peepshow' was presented, I was thrilled to be able to represent the sexy and confident women of today. I am looking forward to being able to interact with my fans in a more personal and intimate environment."

Coco is a former Playboy model who has appeared on several talk shows and in guest roles on various network and cable TV series. On her Twitter page, she notes that she has appeared on more than 50 magazine covers.

“Peepshow” officials have expressed that stage experience be a prerequisite for the lead role of Bo Peep, and the 33-year-old Coco has dance training dating to her childhood and teenage years in Albuquerque, N.M. The role is to remain fully topless, playing into Coco’s obvious physical traits.

"The moment I met Coco I realized that she would a a fantastic fit for 'Peepshow,' " show creator and director Jerry Mitchell said in today's news release. "She is fun and sexy and very talented. I'm looking forward to working with her and putting a spotlight on a side of Coco that I don't think many people have seen."

Base co-CEO Scott Zeiger was quoted as saying, "Coco is going to add an entirely new dimension to 'Peepshow.' She is a gorgeous, dynamic woman who channels the show's message of beauty, empowerment and sensuality and we are delighted to bring her to our stage."

Other names that have surfaced in the hunt to replace Madison have included Carmen Electra and Jenny McCarthy. Madison's pregnancy has hastened the effort to replace her several weeks before her originally announced Dec. 30 closing date. The show’s co-stars, Josh Strickland and Cheaza, remain in the cast.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.

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