Amanda Holden might be best known for starring as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent and being a stand-in host on ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine.
But she has now landed herself a guest-starring role in CBBC’s forthcoming series The Worst Witch.
The 45-year-old actress – whose other TV jobs have included parts on Jonathan Creek, Wild At Heart and Kiss Me Kate – will play Miss Pentangle, the headmistress of Miss Pentangle’s Academy of Witches, who visits Miss Cackle’s Academy for a spelling bee.
It's cerise darlings! Very excited to be here https://t.co/esIS7pMeDe
— Amanda Holden (@AmandaHolden) August 3, 2016
Amanda, who had to wear a cerise ensemble complete with pointed hat for the role, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of The Worst Witch.
“It’s such a fantastic, magical world with incredible characters that you can completely lose yourself in. I’m sure there will be some jokes from my family about me playing a witch, but I can’t wait to sit down and watch CBBC bring to life the wonderful world of Cackle’s Academy.”
Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed it was bringing a new version of Jill Murphy’s beloved books to the screen once more with a new 13-part series.
Amanda Holden’s new role as Miss Pentangle on the CBBC remake of The Worst Witch has been revealed (Ian West / PA Wire/PA Images)
The author said of the forthcoming TV adaptation of her books, which were published from 1974 onwards: “Published 42 years ago, The Worst Witch has been the cornerstone of my career.
“I illustrate my own books, so I am very protective about them in every way, and I’m delighted to say that this wonderful new production ticks all the boxes.”
ITV’s series of The Worst Witch aired between 1998 and 2001 and was a success with the critics. It launched the career of Oscar-nominated actress Felicity Jones, who portrayed Ethel Hallow.
Felicity Jones was one of the stars of the ITV version of The Worst Witch, which ran from 1998 – 2001 (Evan Agostini / AP/PA Images)
Georgina Sherrington took on the leading role of Mildred Hubble and veteran actress Una Stubbs was the eccentric Miss Bat.
The Worst Witch was also made into a TV movie in 1986, starring Diana Rigg as strict form-mistress Miss Hardbroom, and Tim Curry as The Grand Wizard.
The new CBBC effort will feature Game Of Thrones star Bella Ramsey in the role of Mildred, along with newcomers Meibh Campbell and Tamara Smart as her best pals Maud Spellbody and Enid Nightshade.
Filming is set to kick off in Cheshire over the summer before moving for additional shooting in Germany ahead of its broadcast on CBBC in early 2017.
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