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“Freddie” Flintoff to make stage debut in Fat Friends

He'll join Jodie Prenger, Sam Bailey and Elaine C Smith.

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Cricket legend Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff will play the role of Kevin in Fat Friends, which arrives in Blackpool on the 29 May 2018.

The former England cricket captain and current star of Sky’s League Of Their Own, Flintoff will join an all star cast for the world premiere of Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends – the Musical. During his sporting career, he’s won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005, having since forged a career as a presenter and broadcaster.

The shows in Blackpool form part of a wider UK tour, and a residency at the Leeds Grand kicking off in November.

“I am really excited to be starring in Fat Friends – The Musical at Leeds Grand in November and at some other great venues around the UK in 2018,” Flintoff says. “Having had the pleasure of recently working on an episode of Kay’s latest TV series, it’s great to have the opportunity to work with her again. I loved the TV series and think Fat Friends – The Musical, is going to give people a great night out. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Kay Mellor explains how it was a “no brainer” to include Flintoff in the TV series. “Then, as we were talking through Fat Friends – The Musical, I wondered if Freddie could sing. I was ecstatic when Nick (Lloyd Webber) met him and agreed his voice was perfect for the role. I am thrilled and delighted that Freddie is able to join us for our run at Leeds and part of the tour as well, playing our leading male and fiancee to Kelly played by Jodie Prenger. I can’t wait to start working with the super talented cast we’ve got so far!”

Mellor has adapted the award-winning TV drama, having worked on the likes of TV shows Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate, and In The Club.

Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff joins the already confirmed Prenger, as well as X Factor winner Sam Bailey, and Elaine C Smith.

Fat Friends – the Musical will open at the Opera House in Blackpool on Tuesday 29 May and run until Saturday 2 June. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.