Paul Merton guest stars in 39 Steps for Comic Relief

Comedian Paul Merton will make a "very special cameo" in West End longrunner The 39 Steps next week in aid of Comic Relief.

The Have I Got News for You star will appear in the show as a "mystery killer" for one night only on Thursday (12 March).

Fifty percent of ticket sales for the performance will be donated to Comic Relief, which takes place next Friday, while there will also be bucket collections in the foyer at the Criterion Theatre.

Merton described his appearance, which will see him become a fifth member of the four-strong company, as "the summit of my career as a West End actor".