THE FULL cast has been revealed for the premiere of Fat Friends The Musical from November 7 to December 2.

Kay Mellor has turned a hit TV series into a musical with a cast including Jodie Prenger, Sam Bailey, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and ‘Yorkshire lass’ Natalie Anderson.

The final line-up for the Grand Theatre run includes Natasha Hamilton from pop group Atomic Kitten as Julia, Kevin Kennedy from Coronation Street as Fergus, and Yorkshire’s own Rachael Wooding as Joanne.

Jonathan Halliwell, who appeared in TV talent show Let It Shine, will play Paul while Chloe Hart, who appeared in Hairspray, will play Val.

Yorkshire-born, Neil Hurst, who for many years has been the popular funnyman at the Halifax Victoria Theatre pantomime, will play Alan.

Neil was one of 13 men shortlisted to audition for the role of the overweight ambulance driver following an open call for would-be ‘Alans’.

The award-winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by its creator and one of the UK’s most prolific writers, Kay Mellor, whose extensive television credits include hit series Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate and In the Club, and whose stage credits include A Passionate Woman.

The show features original music and songs composed by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, and tells a story of warmth, life and weight loss.

A spokesman said: “This brand-new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart.

“Join the infamous group of loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmers by the lovelorn Lauren, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams.

Visit leedsgrandtheatre.com or call 0844 848 2700 to book tickets. The musical runs from November 7 to December 2.