Gest, who was to play a small cameo role as Tam O' Shanter in the musical that takes a contemporary look at the life of poet Burns, initially became involved when he put together a soundtrack for the show along with late pop icon Michael Jackson in the 1990's.

Robert Burns The Musical features songs adapted from Burns' poetry. It was inspired by an idea from Gest and Jackson. Tish Tindall has since worked to bring the production to the stage.

Gest, according to the Scottsman, has withdrawn from the production due to conflicts with a filming schedule.

"David has made every effort to move his filming commitment but unfortunately the TV company have a very strict schedule to adhere to which they are unable to change," a representative for Gest told The Scottsman.

"David would like to wish the rest of the cast every success with the production and is looking forward to appearing with you at a later stage in the production." Tindall will narrate the Jan. 25 performance at the Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen. It promises an "undiscovered Scottish cast."

Now in a new incarnation, the musical first premiered in 1996 as Red Red Rose, starring John Barrowman.

Here's how the musical is billed: "Robert Burns is alive and well and living in the modern world! A genius with weakness. A womaniser? Yes, but a cheat? No. For all his talents and all his faults, the man’s a man - a real hot blooded man searching for comfort, searching for love and striving for success. Too much is never enough when you are searching for a pride of worth but our 21st century boy loses his way when fame brings Robert Burns a celebrity status. Every day trials ('bush tucker' included) and tribulations leave Robert constantly in the spotlight and constantly judged (especially by 'Simone Powell'…come on you can work it out!) Weathered by the crippling elements of social media exposure, the People's Poet is left with no choice. He has to look to his past to see the way forward. A Prince can make a belted Knight but an honest man - well he can make a difference. Robert Burns The Musical is hilarious, harrowing and heart warming. It speaks to you - it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, you will finally understand the man you raise a glass to, for auld lang syne."