GIOVANNA Fletcher has been announced to star in the latest stage adaptation of the Roy Grace detective novels.

The actress, author and winner of TV's I’m A Celebrity will take to the stage as Cleo Morey in Wish You Were Dead, the sixth in a series of shows based on Peter James’s hit crime thrillers.

She will be joined by Casualty’s George Rainsford, playing DS Grace, and Clive Mantle, of Game of Thrones and Holby City, who joins the cast as Curtis.

Giovanna said: “As a novelist, I know how important the characters I create are to me, so I’m thrilled Peter James has entrusted me with this wonderful role, in what is another brilliant and gripping story from one of the greatest masters of crime thrillers.”

The Argus: Giovanna Fletcher will play Cleo Morey in the show | Theatre RoyalGiovanna Fletcher will play Cleo Morey in the show | Theatre Royal (Image: Giovanna Fletcher)

The play is the latest version of Peter’s best-selling books to hit the stage, adding to the success of the TV show.

Filming for the new TV series of Grace, which stars John Simm as the titular detective and Richie Campbell as his colleague Glen Branson, is now under way in Brighton and Hove.

READ MORE: Peter James celebrates Brighton book launch with Grace cast

The best-selling author announced the cast for the stage show at the launch of his 18th book in the Grace series, Picture You Dead, at Horatio’s bar on the Palace Pier, Brighton, this week.

Peter said: “I love the fact that so many people create their own image of my characters but for me, George, Giovanna and Clive are all inspired interpretations of how I see Roy Grace, Cleo and Curtis.

The Argus: Casualty Star George Rainsford also joins the cast | Theatre RoyalCasualty Star George Rainsford also joins the cast | Theatre Royal (Image: Theatre Royal)

“I am beyond thrilled with the wonderful star cast that we have assembled for the world stage premiere of Wish You Were Dead. It is going to be very exciting to work with this great group of actors and I can’t wait for them to give audiences around the country a thrilling, fun and hugely entertaining night at the theatre.”

Wish You Were Dead will tour the UK and will come to the Theatre Royal in Brighton from Monday, March 20, to Saturday, March 25, 2023. Tickets can be found at atgtickets.com/Brighton.