Patsy will act for the Queen

The cast who will take to the stage in honour of the Queen's 80th birthday was announced yesterday.

Jonathan Ross, Julie Walters, Harry Hill, Kelly Osbourne and Patsy Kensit are all on the bill for the Children's Party at the Palace.

They are among more than 30 stars of stage and screen appearing in The Queen's Handbag, to be broadcast live from the gardens of Buckingham Palace in front of 3,000 guests on June 25.

Oscar-nominated actress Walters plays a palace maid, presenter Ross is Sir Topham Hat and actress Kensit will be The Grand High Witch. Harry Potter fans will also be catered for with a scene including Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, and his friends.

The actors will join some of Britain's best-loved literary characters, including Mary Poppins and The BFG.

Although the storyline is a secret, the BBC revealed the characters take action when the Queen's handbag, containingher speech, disappears. Sir Trevor Nunn will direct the show, to be aired on BBC One and the CBBC Channel.