Ex-England skipper Andrew Flintoff to star in a musical

Former England captain Andrew Flintoff is all set to try his hands on something new. Flintoff, who once competed as a pro boxer in 2012 after quitting cricket is now going to star in a musical. The 39-year-old former all-rounder will play the lead role of Kevin Chadwick in ‘Fat Friends’ on a tour of England.

Chadwick is the fiance of budding slimmer Kelly, played by Shirley Valentine star Jodie Prenger. Flintoff is scheduled to appear for seven dates. The tour starts in Leeds in November and concludes in Sheffield in February next year.

Written by Kay Mellor, Fat Friend is a TV drama which deals with the trials and tribulations of a group of women attending a slimming club. The musical version of the drama series will star actress Elaine C Smith and former X Factor winner Sam Bailey.

The show ran for five years from 2000 and starred Alison Steadman, Gaynor Faye and Lisa Riley and launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. Mellor has also to her credit the stage version of the Bafta-nominated TV series, with the music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber.

According to BBC News, speaking about his role in the musical, Freddie said, “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.”

Flintoff further added, “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.”

Flintoff currently stars in Sky’s panel show League of Their Own, with former Fat Friends star James Corden. He is also going to feature in Mellor’s upcoming TV drama ‘Love, Lies and Records’ due to screen on BBC. Flintoff won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2005.