TV
Rex Features
The Sky One reality show, to be broadcast this autumn, will train school pupils to perform in a West End production of Hairspray.
Van Outen said: "Over the next few weeks I'm gonna have to call in some favours from a few of my friends from the industry - I can't tell you who just yet because it's gonna be a surprise for the kids.
"But we're gonna have to put this production on of Hairspray in the West End and we've got just six weeks to do it, so fingers crossed."
She added that the show provided "such a big challenge for me, it's something that I've been wanting to do for a very long time".
Van Outen has appeared as a judge alongside musical impresario Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on BBC shows Any Dream Will Do! and I'd Do Anything.
More: Denise Van Outen, TV
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