'I always go for coffee with Noddy Holder': Eastenders star Samantha Womack in Wolverhampton for Grand Theatre role
Soap and stage star Samantha Womack will be storming the stage in Wolverhampton in just a few weeks - and has revealed how much she is looking forward to explore more of the 'sweet' Black Country.
Actress Sam is heading to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this March to star as the lead role in The Girl on the Train - a new play based on the hit novel by Paula Hawkins.
The book sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, with a film starring Emily Blunt as lead character Rachel becoming a blockbuster hit.
And 46-year-old Samantha, who is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, has taken the stage role by storm.
The Brighton star said: "The play is quite loyal to the book - whereas the film was a bit more dramatic. It really works on stage, you can get into Rachel's head more.
"We have just had packed out audiences. Even in matinees, it's insane. And I've never heard an audience so quiet - you could hear a pin drop.
"I think the character is quite similar to Ronnie, in EastEnders, so I know how to play that person. And I like her - even though she is exhausting. It's brilliant fun but on a two-show day I'm just knackered - but so happy."
The Girl on the Train follows the life of Rachel Watson, whose only escape from her own chaotic life is watching a perfect couple through her train window every day. But when Rachel learns the woman she has been watching has gone missing, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery.
Samantha was last in Wolverhampton in October 2017 when she played Morticia in the stage version of The Addams Family.
And she's excited to return to the Black Country again this year.
"I always stay in these little digs outside the centre, and it's great." she said. "I love some of the little villages around here locally.
"I can't remember what it was called but I had about a 10-15 minute commute last time and had done a bit of shopping and then drove into this really sweet little village, with this little church. I really enjoy coming to this part of the world.
"I always go for coffee with Noddy Holder too around here, and his wife. He's such a lovely man."
The Girl on The Train, also starring Hollyoaks actor Oliver Farnworth, will be appearing on stage at the Grand from March 18 to March 23.
Visit grandtheatre.co.uk for more.
