Alan Titchmarsh to make West End debut in The Wind in the Willows

The former Gardners' World star will narrate the show, which is adapted from Kenneth Grahame's much-loved tale about Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger.

Titchmarsh said he was "thrilled and delighted" to be apart of the show, which picked up an Olivier Award for the best entertainment show during an earlier run at London's Duchess Theatre.

He said: "I am thrilled and delighted to be joining this tremendous production which celebrates my all-time favourite children's book. Poop poop."

He added: "It's funny and it's touching, and it's a great challenge. It's absolutely thrilling and at the moment a little terrifying.

According to The Telegraph, the chat show host was approached for the role months after he went to see the production with his family and joking that it would be a "dream" to play the part of the narrator.

He said: “I loved the show so much when I saw it that I’m really keen to do it well. If I don’t love it on stage, there’s no chance the audience will.

“It was a dream role, but not a realistic dream. I know the book pretty much by heart, but these lines are written by Andrew Motion.

“I’ve cleared the decks for rehearsals and will be throwing myself into it until January. I can’t do anything other than give it 100 per cent.”

The Wind in the Willows tells the tale of four woodland friends, beginning in a “dusty old attic” and rampaging from the riverbank to the Wild Wood.

Performances will be staged at the Vaudeville Theatre from November 26.

The narration has been written by former poet laureate Andrew Motion, while the production is directed by Will Tuckett

Other cast members are set to be announced at a later date.