Ben Richards to Star Alongside Beverley Knight in THE BODYGUARD's Return to London

HOLLYOAKS' Ben Richards has signed on to play the title role in THE BODYGUARD's return to the West End this summer.

The Daily Mail writes that the actor will appearing alongside previously announced star Beverley Knight, who appeared in the musical three years ago in London and will return to the role of Oscar-nominated superstar 'Rachel Marron' at the Dominion for a run from July 15, 2016 to January 7, 2017.

Fresh from a tour of the UK and Ireland, Thea Sharrock's production of THE BODYGUARD features book by Alex Dinelaris. It made its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in December 2012. Based on Lawrence Kasdan's 1992 Oscar nominated film, The Bodyguard, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design and won Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

In THE BODYGUARD, former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don't expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a whole host of irresistible classics, including "Queen of the Night," "So Emotional," "One Moment in Time," "Saving All My Love," "I'm Your Baby Tonight," "Run to You," "I Have Nothing," "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and one of the greatest hit songs of all time -- "I Will Always Love You."

Richards currently appears on the TV series HOLLYOAKS. His past stage credits include the West End's GREASE, GUYS AND DOLLS and PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT and the UK tour of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL.

Knight has been keeping busy since her stage debut in THE BODYGUARD, having starred in both MEMPHIS and CATS since then. The singer is currently working on a new album and is planning a tour.