Kimberley Walsh is set to star as a "home-wrecking" netball teacher in ‘Ackley Bridge’.
The 36-year-old singer and actress might be best known for her time in pop group Girls Aloud, but it has now been revealed she will swap the stage for the netball court after landing a role in the upcoming series of the Channel 4 school drama, which began in 2017.
Kimberley will join a cast including former ‘EastEnders’ duo Paul Nicholls and Jo Joyner, and ‘Citizen Khan’s Adil Ray in the series, which will air its second season next month.
The ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ singer will take on the role of netball coach Claire, whilst Paul plays her ex-husband and PE teacher Steve, Jo plays headteacher Mandy – who is also Steve’s new wife – and Adil plays wealthy school governor Sadiq.
A Channel 4 source said: "It’s a great signing for Channel 4, and Kimberley jumped at the chance. She loves acting and she’s trying to do more of it.
"She had small roles in Disney series ‘The Lodge’ and ‘Horrid Henry: The Movie’. Her new part is definitely something to get her teeth into and Claire will ruffle some feathers. Her clashes with Mandy will be good fun for viewers."
Kimberley couldn’t be happier to have landed the role, which she says was an "honour" to take on.
Speaking to The Sun’s bizarre TV column, she said: "It was so much fun appearing as Claire in Ackley Bridge. It’s a fantastic show with a brilliant cast. It was an honour to be part of it.
"Claire is sassy and strong and comes to blows a few times with Mandy, which was really fun to play. It was great fun working with Jo Joyner and Paul Nicholls on this storyline."
‘Ackley Bridge’ launched last year with a six-part series, and its second series will span 12 episodes.
Kimberley Walsh to star in Ackley Bridge
