SAMANTHA Womack will star in a new production of The Girl on the Train at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre next year.

The actress, best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, will have the lead role in the gripping thriller, based on the internationally acclaimed number one best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins.

She will play Rachel Watson, a woman who longs for a different life.

Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears.

When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Samantha said: "Having been thoroughly captivated by the novel, the opportunity to take on a role like this is incredibly exciting. I’ve been fascinated by thrillers for a long time and this kind of storytelling, like Hitchcock’s Rear Window, offers us a voyeurs journey into a world which is dangerous and full of suspense.”

Joining Samantha in the cast is Oliver Farnworth as Scott - best known for playing Andy Carver in Coronation Street.

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Tickets for The Girl on the Train will go on sale to Friends of the Grand and members on Monday (September 24) from 11am to book online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling 01902 42 92 12.

General sale tickets will be available from Friday (September 28) from 11am.