A Girls Aloud popstar and a Hollyoaks heartthrob will star in a huge musical due to open in Wimbledon.

Ghost the Musical, a stage show inspired by the double Oscar-winning movie, and featuring the hit song Unchained Melody, will start its nationwide tour at New Wimbledon Theatre from September 1 to 10.

Singer and actress Sarah Harding will make her stage debut in the role of Molly, who was played by Hollywood icon Demi Moore in the 1990 film.

Harding had 20 consecutive top ten singles with band Girls Aloud, including four number ones, before moving on to acting with roles in the likes of Bad Day, Coronation Street and St Trinians 2.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be making my theatre debut in Ghost - The Musical. The film is one of my all-time favourites, so to get the opportunity to play ‘Molly’ in Bill Kenwright’s new production is a huge honour for me and I can’t wait to get started!”

Andy Moss, best known as Rhys Ashworth in Hollyoaks, steps into Patrick Swayze’s shoes as Sam.

Producer Bill Kenwright said: “Ghost is a story full of hope, and is one of those films which never leaves you. The book by Bruce Joel Rubin and score by Dave Stewart and Glenn Ballad come together wonderfully in one of my favourite new musicals in years.”

Ghost – The Musical is at New Wimbledon Theatre from September 1 to 10. Go to atgtickets.com

Like our What's On page on Facebook for entertainment news, interviews, reviews and features from across south London.