Showbiz
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."
> 'High School Musical 4' in the works
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