EntertainmentKara TointonThe Sound Of MusicITV

Kara Tointon To Play Maria In ITV's Musical Drama 'The Sound Of Music Live!'

Kara Takes On One Of The Screen's Most Iconic Roles
Caroline Frost
|

It takes a brave lady to step into the shoes of one of the screen's most iconic roles, as made perfect by Julie Andrews, but that's exactly what Kara Tointon is doing, taking the lead role of Maria in ITV's 'The Sound of Music Live!', a new small screen dramatisation of the world's most popular musical.

Kara will be leading the cast in this ambitious two-and-half hour musical drama, being billed by ITV as one of the channels "must-see" events of the year.

Open Image Modal

Kara Tointon will be taking on the role of Maria in ITV's 'The Sound of Music Live!'

The story, based on the true story of governess Maria and the von Trapp family will come to life on sound stages at London's Three Mills Studios. All the family favourites are in there from 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?' to 'Do-Re-Mi' and the anthemic 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'.

Also appearing in the show are Julian Ovenden ('Downton Abbey') as the object of Maria's affection, Captain von Trapp, Katherine Kelly ('Mr Selfridge', 'Coronation Street') as the Baroness and Alexander Armstrong ('Pointless') as Max Detweiler.

Open Image Modal

Julie Andrews made the role her own in the 1965 big screen version, a classic to this day

Kara Tointon has made a successful name for herself since quitting her role in 'EastEnders'. She has been a hit in 'Mr Selfridge', and also won the 'Strictly Come Dancing' title in 2010 with her dancing partner Artem Chigvintsev. Kara and Artem became an item after their victory, but split in November 2014. She has since been spotted on the arm of TV host Matt Johnson.

'Strictly Come Dancing': All The Winners
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat.Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave. (credit:BBC)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year.Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process. (credit:Michael Boyd/PA Archive)
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later.Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners.Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is. (credit:BBC)
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series.They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010. (credit:BBC)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010.Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating. (credit:Rowan Miles/PA Archive)
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo? (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace. (credit:Georgie Gillard/Associated Newspapers/REX)
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy.Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
And then there was the most recent 'Strictly' winner, Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'.Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs. (credit:BBC)

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK | FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip