Role in new Britcom

Johnny Vegas is set to make his big-screen debut.

He will star alongside The Royle Family's Ricky Tomlinson in the British film The Virgin of Liverpool.

The plot revolves around a 12-year-old girl who campaigns to rescue a statue of the Virgin Mary which has been earmarked for destruction.

Details of the movie - described as a zany feel-good comedy - were announced at the Cannes film festival.

It will be directed by advert-maker Lee Donaldson, and filming starts later this summer.

Paul Barber from The Full Monty will also appear.

Vegas given Runaround

Published: 19 May 2002