Dean joins 'High School Musical' show

Letitia Dean is to play an eccentric drama teacher in the stage version of High School Musical.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant will take the role of Miss Darbus in the London show, which opens at the Hammersmith Apollo in June.

She told The Mirror: "I'm so, so excited. I can't wait to get started. I adore musical theatre - I grew up loving shows like Calamity Jane. But the last time I was actually in one myself was when I was 13 and in Annie. So this is my chance to polish up what I learned in my youth."

She added: "It's very nerve-wracking and I only hope I do the role justice. I've been working on my American accent and I'm getting there."

Talking about the hit Disney TV movie on which the show is based, the 40-year-old said: "I was aware of the phenomenon beforehand but I didn't know too much about it. So I spoke to a few friends who have children and the more I found out about it, the more I realised just how huge it is.

"It's just brilliant! Feelgood and fun, great music and uplifting."

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