Nina Wadia is leading a star-studded cast in 'NOW That's What I Call A Musical'.

Nina Wadia is leading the cast of NOW That's What I Call A Musical

Nina Wadia is leading the cast of NOW That's What I Call A Musical

The former 'EastEnders' star - who played Zainab Masood on Albert Square between 2007 and 2013 - has also appeared in the likes of 'Aladdin', 'Count Abdulla' and 'Still Open All Hours', as well as roles on stage in 'Bleak Expectations' and 'Macbeth'.

Nina will play Gemma in the world premiere of the new musical written by Pippa Evans, while 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Craig Revel Horwood is directing and choreographing the production.

The run will start in September 2024 with performances at Aylesbury's Waterside Theatre before the show embarks on a UK and Ireland tour with some famous faces as special guests.

Certain performances will see the likes of Sinitta, Sonia, Carol Decker and Jay Osmond playing themselves and belting out their own hits.

There will be further guest stars and musical cast members revealed at a later date.

Nina said in a statement: "I grew up listening to the NOW tapes so for me being a part of this musical is like going home.

"When I read the script I immediately fell in love with the characters and Pippa’s story.

"I can’t wait to get started on my first ever musical and to see you all there later this year.”

The show takes its inspiration from the iconic 'NOW That's What I Call Music' compilations, which have sold around 200 million copies worldwide over the last 40 years.

The show will feature music from the likes of Wham!, Blondie, Spandau Ballet, Whitney Houston and more.

The synopsis reads: "It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business - planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley.

"Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives– the school reunion.

"Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?"

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