Gerard McCarthy lands Shakespeare role

Former Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy has landed a role at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

The 29-year-old, who recently filmed his final scenes as bisexual crossdresser Kris Fisher, has been cast as Fenton in Shakespearean comedy The Merry Wives Of Windsor.

The humourous play follows womaniser Sir John Falstaff, who sets about wooing two wealthy married women.

Speaking to DS, McCarthy said: "I'm ecstatic to be working at Shakespeare's Globe. The Merry Wives Of Windsor is a hilarious play and I'm looking forward to working with such an exceptional cast, directed by Christopher Luscombe."

Luscombe commented: "The audition for Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor was quite a test - we needed a handsome, witty young actor, who could handle some really tricky Shakespearean verse, play the guitar and sing beautifully!"

He added: "We cast the net far and wide, but Gerard was the clear winner - he made it all look easy, which is a great gift. I'm really looking forward to working with him."

McCarthy is due to begin rehearsals within the next few weeks and will make his stage debut on August 14. The play runs at The Globe until October 2, before touring to Los Angeles and New York.

The production then returns to the UK in November for several dates around the country.