Craig Revel Horwood to replace Miranda Hart in Annie

Craig Revel Horwood is to take on the role of Miss Hannigan in the current West End production of Annie.

Revel Horwood will play the role from 18 September for ten weeks, stepping into the shoes of Miranda Hart, who opened as Miss Hannigan in June this year.

Revel Horwood originally performed in Nikolai Foster's production of Annie in 2015 for the tour. His previous credits include starring as Munkustrap in Cats, Harry in Crazy for You and he was dance captain for Miss Saigon.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge said: "I am so pleased to be returning to the West End, especially to a role I had such a brilliant time performing on tour. Miss Hannigan is evil, sassy and fab-u-lous. It will be a real challenge for me not to take her man-hungry, wicked ways to the Strictly judging panel each Saturday night – though I am sure my fellow judges will keep me in check! I can’t wait to get started."

Hart will continue in the role of Miss Hannigan until 17 September. The title role is shared by Madeleine Haynes, Lola Moxom and Ruby Stokes. The show has also announced a new booking period to 18 February.

Annie is Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's classic musical about the little girl Annie, who manages to escape the orphanage she lives in and make friends with a billionaire.

Due to Strictly commitments, Revel Horwood will not be performing on Saturdays.

Annie runs at the Piccadilly Theatre until February 18 2018.

Buy tickets for Annie