Former 'EastEnders' star Jessie Wallace has signed up for an all-singing all-dancing television role, playing music hall star Marie Lloyd.
Wallace will play the Victorian vaudeville legend in a new BBC drama, which is due to begin filming next month.
Lloyd, whose songs included 'My Old Man Said Follow The Van' and 'A Little Of What You Fancy Does You Good', was a household name at the turn of the 20th Century.
Speaking about her new role, Wallace said: "This is my dream role. I'm so excited. I still keep pinching myself. I can't believe I'm playing her."
"She was the Madonna of her age. She tried everything first and was really racy," she said.
"She went from rags to riches and it's a shame that she has been forgotten about. It's great to bring all this music back."
BBC controller Janice Hadlow said: "It's a real coup to have Jessie Wallace as the lead in this exciting new drama, a major component of our Edwardian season."
"She will bring something very special to the role as the greatest music hall star of all time."
