Ball steps into Crawford's big shoes

With his huge jowls and beetle brows, Michael Ball looks far from the dimpled heartthrob he once was. But his fans can rest assured - the actor has not let himself go.

This picture shows him in a fat suit and prosthetics for his latest role, as Count Fosco in West End hit The Woman In White.

Ball, 42, is taking over as the obese ladies' man for a six-week run at the Palace Theatre after star Michael Crawford, 63, was taken ill with an acute flu virus. "It's such a big role to fill," said Ball. "I don't think I have ever worked so hard in my life to prepare for a show in such a short space of time."

He will be reunited with female lead, Maria Friedman, with whom he starred in the Sondheim musical, Passion, in 1997.

It is his first theatre role since playing Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 2003.

Ball said: "I am so thrilled to be working again with Maria. She has been so supportive."

Crawford is laid low at his London home under doctor's orders - although producers say they hope to have him back in April.

The £5million show, directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, is the fastest British theatrical export in years. Two months after it opened it was confirmed as a transfer to Broadway where it will open in November. It has made £10million and is nominated for five Olivier Awards.