Denise Welch is set to play the Queen in the Princess Diana musical: Where is it and how to get tickets

Loose Women star Denise Welch will take on the role as Queen Elizabeth II in the Princess Diana musical - yes you read that right. 

It was announced today that the daytime TV panellist will take on the role and perform at Hammersmith's’ Eventim Apollo theatre in December. 

The Queen has been played by many great actresses including Dame Helen Mirren, Emmy Award winner Claire Foy, Oscar winner Olivia Coleman, BAFTA winner Imelda Staunton and now TV Choice winner Denise Welch. 

The Newcastle born actress will star in Diana: The Musical alongside Kerry Ellis and Maiya Quansah-Breed who both play the titular role with music and lyrics by David Bryan. 

The biopic-musical is based on the life of the late Princess Diana and had a brief spell in Broadway, New York. Critics called the show a ‘good disaster',  ‘a regular, run-of-the-mill mess’ and ‘so bad it must be seen.’

The show will be for one night only on Monday 4 December tickets are available to buy now via the official British Theatre website. 

Denise who is mother of The 1975 frontman and Taylor Swift’s ex Matty Healy, shared the news on her Twitter account with the caption “Queeeeeeeen!! Diana The Musical in concert. Dec 4th. Apollo Hammersmith.”

The former Coronation Street actress is no stranger to the stage she has performed in the musical Grease, many pantomime plays including Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. Denise also starred in the theatre production of The Calendar Girls.