ANDREW “Freddie” Flintoff is to make his stage debut in Fat Friends - The Musical, coming to Bradford.

The former England cricket captain, and star of SKY’s League of Their Own will swap the cricket pitch to tread the boards as he joins an all star cast for the world premiere of Kay Mellor's show.

Freddie will play Kevin Chadwick opposite the previously announced, Jodie Prenger as his fiancée, Kelly.

One of the world’s most recognised cricket stars, Freddie was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2005 after playing a pivotal role in regaining the Ashes from Australia.

Since the Lancashire lad’s cricket career ended in 2010, he has forged a career as a popular presenter and broadcaster, appearing as a captain on A League of Their Own, being crowned King of the Jungle in the first Australian version of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! He has also launched a clothing range, Flintoff by Jacamo.

Having just filmed a part in Kay Mellor’s new ITV series, this stage role will see Freddie continue to carve an acting career - after bowling over the show’s creator, Kay Mellor, and composer Nicholas Lloyd Webber during auditions.

“I am really excited to be starring in Fat Friends - The Musical," said Freddie. "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 said: “I was introduced to Freddie at one of our TV casting sessions - it was clear to me that he could leave his cricket bat behind, embody a character, and understand the drama. It was a no brainer…he got the part. Then, as we were talking through Fat Friends - The Musical, I wondered if Freddie could sing. I was ecstatic when Nick met him and agreed his voice was perfect for the role. I'm thrilled that Freddie is able to join us for part of the tour, playing our leading male."

The musical is adapted from Kay Mellor's award-winning TV drama, Fat Friends, about a group of people attending a slimming club. One of the UK’s most prolific writers, Kay's extensive television credits include Band of Gold, The Chase and The Syndicate, all filmed in and around Bradford, In the Club and A Passionate Woman.

Freddie joins Jodie Prenger and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey with further casting to be announced.

The shows sees the dieters reunited and put through their zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s, run by lovelorn Lauren, while Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams.