Welch, 65, will enter the spotlight as Queen Elizabeth II alongside other well-known thespians in Diana: The Musical set to debut in December in London.

The late Princess of Wales will be played by actress Kerry Ellis who starred as Elphaba - the Wicked Witch of the West - in the West End musical Wicked.

A 19-year-old version of Princess Diana will be played by Maiya Quansah-Breed, who was nominated for the highest honour in British theatre, an Olivier, for her role as Catherine Parr in the production Six.

Read more:
Coronation: Will the King always be living in the shadow of Diana?
From school bullies to Diana tragedy - the events that shaped Charles

Welch had her big break on stage with musical Yakety Yak 40 years ago and her last theatre performance was in the 2018 Calendar Girls UK Tour.

The new musical will explore the life and times of Princess Diana including her relationship with her ex-husband the King, who was then Prince of Wales.

Bon Jovi member David Bryan will lead the show's 80s-inspired tunes, with lyrics from Joe DiPietro, who was behind the Tony Award-winning musical Memphis.

A performance of Diana: The Musical first launched on Netflix in 2021 after a COVID delay - it saw the cast perform to an empty audience.

Doors will open to the show on 4 December at the Eventim Apollo