Mel Smith has signed up to make his debut appearance on the West End stage in hit musical Hairspray alongside Michael Ball.

The comedy actor, who starred alongside Griff Rhys Jones in Smith and Jones, will play Wilbur Turnblad opposite Ball as female character Edna.

The hit show tells the story of Tracy Turnblad who dreams of starring on a televised dance programme in the 60s and becomes an overnight celebrity when she gets her chance to appear on it.

Deborah Harry and Ricki Lake appeared in the orginal film in 1988, while John Travolta heads the all cast line up as Edna Turnblad in this year's updated movie.

The musical won eight Tony Awards when it debuted on Broadway in 2002.