Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc set for role in Sound Of Music TV adaptation

Mel, who hosts the BBC Two cooking show with comedy partner Sue Perkins, has been cast as stoic housekeeper Frau Schmidt in The Sound Of Music Live!.

She is one of the new additions to the star-studded cast of the production, which will air over Christmas.

Ex-EastEnders star Kara Tointon, 32, will play Maria, who joins the von Trapp family as a governess – with former Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly, 35, portraying Baroness Elsa Schraeder.

Kara, who starred in the West End production of Pygmalion, said: “I’m thrilled and excited to be taking on the iconic role of Maria in The Sound Of Music Live!

“I’m looking forward to bringing this character to life for ITV viewers and to follow in the footsteps of some great actresses who have played Maria on stage and film.”

Trained opera singer Julian Ovenden has been cast as Captain Georg von Trapp, while Pointless presenter and comedian Alexander Armstrong – a classically trained baritone, who has released his debut album – will be the Captain’s friend Max Detweiler.

Julian added: “The Sound Of Music is a much-loved musical and it’s a privilege to play such an illustrious character as Captain von Trapp alongside such a talented team, both in front and behind the cameras.

“I can’t wait to help bring this epic production to screen in what promises to be a true highlight for the family this Christmas.”

Olivier award-winning actress Maria Friedman will portray Mother Abbess, with stage stars Evelyn Hoskins, Jon Tarcy, Paul Copley and David Bamber in other roles.

Rehearsals for the televised version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical have begun, ahead of the live shoot at London’s Three Mills Studios.

The Sound Of Music – based on Maria von Trapp’s 1949 memoir The Story Of The Trapp Family Singers – inspired a 1956 German film, the original Broadway musical in 1959 and various stage revivals.

The 1965 Hollywood film, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars.