Langham's West End work 'no secret'

Chris Langham's involvement in a West End musical based on the life of Ian Dury is not a secret, the show's producer has insisted.

The former Thick Of It actor, who was found guilty of downloading child pornography two years ago, has been advising the cast and crew of Hit Me! The Life And Rhymes Of Ian Dury.

"Chris Langham's contribution was minimal. He merely sat in on a few of rehearsals and has given help and advice on the play's transfer to a larger theatre," said producer Irving Rappaport.

"This was in his capacity as a friend of the producer, cast and director. There is nothing secretive about this because such was his involvement. There has been nothing to say."

However, former show lead Jud Charlton has told the Evening Standard that he quit the production after a row with Langham. "I had an argument with him, and he questioned my reputation, which I thought was completely hypocritical," he said.