Mr Selfridge co-stars Kara Tointon and Katherine Kelly will once again join forces to star in a new version of The Sound of Music. The two and a half hour musical drama will be broadcast live on ITV this Christmas, and has been dubbed the "must see" programme of the year by the network.
Kara, 32, will take centre stage and play protagonist Maria, while Katherine, 35, will play Baroness Elsa Schraeder.
Julian Ovenden, star of Downton Abbey, Smash and My Night With Reg, will take on the role of Captain Georg von Trapp.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKara Tointon will play Maria in The Sound of Music Live!
Based on the original stage musical, The Sound of Music Live! will feature songs from the classic score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, Edelweiss, Do-Re-Mi, My Favourite Things, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and the title song.
"This is the first time in the UK that this type of project has been attempted – a musical drama both performed and broadcast live," said ITV's director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell.
"Big ambitious live television events is what ITV does well. We've assembled some of the very best talent both in front of and behind the camera and I can't wait to see it all come together."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKatherine Kelly, who is married to Ryan Clark, will play Baroness Elsa Schraeder
Earlier this year Katherine, who has played Lady Mae Loxley in Mr Selfridge since 2013, welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with her husband Ryan Clark. The actress revealed to HELLO! the meaning behind her daughter's moniker.
"Her full name is Orla Rae Kelly Clark," said Katherine. "Making my surname, Kelly, a middle name and Orla is in keeping with the Irish heritage from my side of the family as my dad is Irish."
"She is a joy already. We are cherishing every moment," she added.
