Ewan kicks off West End career

Having romanced Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge and smeared custard over a naked Emily Mortimer during his film career, Ewan McGregor could have been forgiven for thinking that his debut on the London stage might be rather less exciting.

But holding the ankle of Summer Strallen, as she nonchalantly placed it some six inches above his head, McGregor can rest assured that once again his 'work' forces him to closely embrace an eye-wateringly beautiful young lady.

Although McGregor has taken a considerable pay cut from his usual £6 million-a-film salary to appear in the revival of the musical Guys and Dolls, the quality of the company must surely more than make up for any financial hardship.

Miss Strallen has a long line of stage appearances on her resume, including spells in Cats, The Sound of Music and playing Cinderella in pantomime.

Still only 20, there can be no question that she has inherited the acting bug from her aunt, Bonnie Langford. She plays temptress Missouri Martin, opposite McGregor as leading man Sky Masterson in the production, which opens tonight at the Piccadilly Theatre.

But while 33-year-old McGregor may be the envy of redblooded males everywhere, he is not the first to realise the charms of Miss Strallen.

When she made an appearance at last year's Christmas party for the Chelsea pensioners - dressed in a 'naughty Mrs Claus outfit' - she was described by one guest as 'heart-stoppingly beautiful - almost literally'.