Stefanie Powers in Wolverhampton for On Golden Pond

Former I'm A Celebrity star and Hollywood actress Stefanie Powers arrives in Wolverhampton this week for a five-night run in On Golden Pond at the city's Grand Theatre.

Fresh from her appearance in the Australian jungle, she joins the Malvern-based Middle Ground Theatre Company for this lavish new production of Ernest Thompson's classic.

Hart to Hart actress Stefanie will be joined on stage by English actor Richard Johnson. The pair star as Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year.

They are joined by their daughter Chelsea played by Goodnight Sweetheart and Casualty actress Elizabeth Carling and her fiancée played by Walsall actor Tom Roberts, who leave their teenage son with Norman and Ethel while they travel to Europe.

A deeply moving and touching exploration of the relationship between the elderly couple, their daughter and their grandson follows.

The classic film of On Golden Pond, which starred Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda, went on to win three Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Actress for Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn.

Speaking about her role Stefanie said: "It's a wonderful piece of writing, very sensitive."

And 44-year-old actress Liz Carling added: "This is a brilliant play, brilliantly written. You don't have to figure out what the writer means, because it is all so clear."

She added: "It's a great play and I can't wait to get on with it."

Walsall-born actor Tom Roberts, aged 50, is also looking forward to starring in the show.

Best known for his part as DI Terry Wood in TV series Doctors, he will be travelling around Britain with Stefanie and co for five months performing On Golden Pond at theatres nationwide.

Tom said: "Stefanie is a really established Hollywood actress. It will be good to work with someone of her calibre, but the whole cast is really strong.

"I'm mainly excited but also curious about it."

The production runs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday, January 31, to Saturday, February 4, and visits Lichfield Garrick Theatre from April 10 to 14 .

In Wolverhampton, show times are 7.30pm Monday to Friday with a 2.30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. Ticket prices range from £9.50 to £24.50.

For tickets to the Wolverhampton show, see www.grandtheatre.info and for details of the Lichfield date, visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

By Amy Burns