Hero Roxanne Pallett

Roxanne Pallett has landed a stage role with the British Shakespeare Company.

The former 'Emmerdale' actress is fulfilling a long-held ambition by playing the lead role of Hero in historic farce 'Much Ado About Nothing' when she completes work on the 'Dancing On Ice' tour.

She said: "I have dreamed of acting in a Shakespeare play ever since I started acting.

"I had an audition during 'Dancing On Ice' and by the time I had to get back to the rink to train the director called to say I'd got the job.

"I know I have a lot to prove because many people will think that a soap actress won't be good enough for this kind of role, but I like a challenge and I am determined to prove the critics wrong."

Roxanne was so determined to take the role, she has even accepted a pay cut.

She added: "I have taken a step down in my pay cheque but it is not about the money or publicity. It's a massive leap up in acting."

However, the star admits she has one massive hurdle to overcome - intense vocal coaching to neutralise her strong northern accent.

She said: "It will be hard as I picked up a Yorkshire accent while I was on 'Emmerdale'.

The production will tour the UK and Norway.