Television presenter and contestant on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, Laura Whitmore has signed up to star in the new Peter James adaptation at Richmond Theatre next year.

Whitmore will play Cleo Morely in Not Dead Enough, based on bestselling crime author James’ novel of the same name.

The play reaches Richmond Theatre from March 13 to 18.

Not Dead Enough is the third James’ series of thrillers about detective Roy Grace which have sold more than 18 million copies worldwide and it is also the third stage adaptation of his work, following The Perfect Murder and Dead Simple, which were also produced by Joshua Andrews and directed by Olivier Award-winner Ian Talbot.

Whitmore, who is best known for her presenting work on MTV, The Brits and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now, trained in acting before turning to journalism.

She said: “I'm a huge fan of Peter James' books and so honoured to be cast as his Cleo for her first theatrical outing.

“Peter has created a strong character in Cleo Morely and I can't wait to sink my teeth into the role.”

Peter James said: “The characters in my Roy Grace novels are very precious to me and I have a very clear image of each of them in my mind.  In bringing my work to the stage, I’ve tried hard in the casting, masterminded by Josh Andrews, to find brilliant performers who bear a strong resemblance to my vision of the characters - to lift them truly off the page.  

“The moment I met Laura Whitmore and she began reading a scene from the play I had that deep thrill of knowing we had found my absolutely perfect Cleo - the way she looks and the warmth and energy she radiates - just perfect in every way.”

Not Dead Enough is at Richmond Theatre from March 13 to 18. Go to atgtickets.com/Richmond

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