After the success of her role in Tina and Bobby, Michelle Keegan is gearing up for a brand new role. ITV have announced that the former Coronation Street actress will play Star Wars favourite Princess Leia, the character which was made famous by the late Carrie Fisher, in Keith Lemon and Paddy McGuinness' new comedy sketch, The Keith and Paddy Picture Show. Sharing her excitement, Michelle said: "I'm excited to be part of this new show with Keith and Paddy and thrilled to be taking on the iconic role of Princess Leia, a strong, female heroine and all round Star Wars legend. I had so much fun and we had such a laugh filming that I can't wait for everyone to see the final result."
Michelle Keegan will play Star Wars favourite Princess Leia in a new ITV series
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A host of celebrity guest stars will join Keith and Paddy for their new series, which will air on ITV from April. In the Star Wars special, Michelle will be joined by comedy duo Ant and Dec as Ewoks, while This Morning's Phillip Schofield will transform into Yoda, David Dickinson will play The Emperor and Jeremy Kyle will appear as himself. Meanwhile, singer Robbie Williams is taking part in a Ghostbusters edition of the show, playing Egon. Of his role, he said: "I had such a laugh with Keith and Paddy filming Ghostbusters and I'm thrilled to be playing Egon... I ain't afraid of no ghosts!" [sic] Other skits will include Dirty Dancing, Jaws and Rocky, with appearances from Emma Willis, Will Mellor and Emily Atack.
Star Wars favourite Princess Leia was made famous by the late Carrie Fisher
Host Keith revealed he was lucky to be able to work with one of his best friends, calling it a dream come true. "I'm so super excited to be working with one of my best pals Paddy McGuinness," he confessed. "Paddy and I spoke about doing this years ago, and the dream is finally becoming a reality. I've stopped eating bread, to make it easier for Paddy to do 'the lift' when we recreate Dirty Dancing. I'm also excited to be eaten by a shark and be punched in't face by the Italian Stallion that is actually from Bolton. Word!"
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Paddy added: "Keith and I have been mates for a long time. We're both self-confessed movie nuts so paying tribute to some of the most iconic movies scenes of all time is going to be a lot of fun! I've told him he'll have to play most of the female roles though - he's got long hair and it'll save us a few quid on wigs!"