Dirty Den returns for Dad's Army

Hit 1960s sitcom Dad's Army is coming to Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre - with former EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham set to play one of the show's heroes.

Grantham, who played Dirty Den in the soap, makes the second of three trips to the city to star as Private Walker, the spiv character played by the late James Beck in the BBC TV series.

The theatre production will showcase three TV show scripts, including two lost episodes being performed for the first time since original tapes were wiped in 1969.

Joining him during the autumn season will be Emmerdale actor Peter Martin, whose character, Len, was killed off this month.

The Lichfield Street theatre's autumn season will also see John Savident, who played butcher Fred Elliott in Coronation Street, play Henry Hobson in the comedy Hobson's Choice.

For younger theatregoers Johnny Spacehopper and his Vital Statistics will be performing in October in a show that aims to help children with their maths.

Children's book character the Gruffalo will also be making an appearance in November, bringing along his own tiny terror.

The Gruffalo's Child is billed as a magical musical adaptation of the popular series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler.

Othershows already announced include hit West End musical Chicago and the Supreme Sunbeam, a play about Wolverhampton's famous Sunbeam firm performed by members of Central Youth Theatre.

The season will be topped off by this year's pantomime Dick Whittington, which will see Leslie Grantham return for his third visit this year when he plays Dirty Rat.

He recently finished a successful run in the city with Casualty star Sarah Manners in The Decorator.

Also starring in the pantomime is Tracey Beaker star Dani Harmer, The Krankies and actor Sam Kane.

The theatre will close during July and August for a refurbishment. An open day on September 15 will let visitors see the new-look auditorium, which is being completely recovered.

The Arena Theatre will stage the Grand's popular Rep season during the closure.

By Becky Sharpe