Who was first choice to play Xena in the TV show "Xena: Warrior Princess"?

"Xena: Warrior Princess" is an American fantasy television series filmed in New Zealand, which aired in first-run syndication from September 4, 1995, to June 18, 2001. The series narrative follows Xena (played by Lucy Lawless), an infamous warrior looking to be redeemed for her past sins against the innocent by using her formidable fighting skills to aid those who are defenseless. Her companion Gabrielle (played by Renee O'Connor) grows from a simple farm girl into an Amazon warrior and Xena's soulmate and comrade-in-arms during the series.

The first choice for Xena was the British actress Vanessa Angel, but an illness prevented her from travelling, and the role was offered to four other actresses before the relatively unknown Lawless.

Vanessa Madeline Angel (born 10 November 1966) is an British actress and former model. She played the role of the computer generated genie Lisa on the television series "Weird Science" (March 5, 1994, to April 11, 1997). She is also known for her role as Claudia in the film "Kingpin" (1996).