Former EastEnders and Coronation Street actress Karen Henthorn has said she is “thrilled and shocked” to be starring in a UK stage tour of Dinnerladies.
Henthorn will play Dolly Bellfield in the theatre adaptation of the classic sitcom, alongside stars including Sue Cleaver and Les Dennis.
The show is the first to be commissioned by the Victoria Wood Estate since the comedian’s death in 2016, aged 62.
Henthorn described Wood’s writing as “genius”, adding: “Warm, full-hearted, joyous. It’s northern, gentle, it’s beautiful.”
Dolly Bellfield, the sharp-tongued, gossiping canteen worker, was originally portrayed by Coronation Street actress Thelma Barlow in the television series.
Henthorn told Radio Lancashire the part was “so far removed from the roles I usually play”, adding: “I can’t wait to start. I’m very excited to explore her.
“She’s quite unassuming and tart-tongued, she shreds her friends and her work associates to pieces and every line is a punchline. Every line is a diamond.
“She has the funniest, the most beautiful lines.”