Pallett turns to Shakespeare's 'Much Ado'

Roxanne Pallett has signed to play the role of Hero in Shakespeare's farce Much Ado About Nothing.

The former Emmerdale actress will finish her Dancing On Ice tour before going into rehearsals with the British Shakespeare Company, says the Daily Star.

Pallett described appearing on stage in one of the bard's plays as a dream role and added that she will work hard to prove herself as a credible actress.

The 26-year-old explained: "I know I am going to have a lot to prove because many people will think that a soap actress won’t be good enough for this kind of role, but I like a challenge and I am determined to prove the critics wrong.

"I have taken a step down in my pay cheque but it's not about the money or the publicity. It's a massive leap up in acting for me."

The company is expected to tour the UK and Norway with the production.