An international crime writer’s book has been adapted for the stage – and will star television funny-man Les Dennis.

The former Family Fortunes host – who also appeared in Extras and Celebrity Big Brother – will appear in a stage version of Peter James’s novella The Perfect Murder.

Mr James described the news as “a dream come true.”

“It’s wonderful news,” the author said.

He described the appointment of Mr Dennis in the starring role as Victor Smiley as “murderously wonderful.”

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Mr James continued: “My parents took me to the Theatre Royal in Brighton almost every week of my childhood, and I dreamed of one day having a play of my own work produced.

“This is now truly a dream come true, and I could not wish to be with a more stellar group of people, including my wonderful co-producer Josh Andrews, writer Shaun McKenna who has done such a terrific adaptation and Ian Talbot who is a fantastic director.

“And I do not think we could have a more perfect, murderously wonderful cast.”

The Perfect Murder does not feature Mr James’s literary hero, Chief Superintendent Roy Grace of Sussex Police’s major crime department, who stars in many of his books.

Instead it features Victor and his wife Joan.

The Smileys have been married for a long time.

But Victor secretly loathes Joan and is getting attention elsewhere.

Joan is bored stiff by Victor, whose irritating ways are driving her mad.

The marriage has reached a crisis point and Victor decides there is only one way to get Joan out of his life forever… but he is about to get a nasty surprise.

The Perfect Murder will tour around the UK from January next year.

It will open in Dartford Orchard on January 8 and will end in Richmond Theatre on April 26.

It will be in Brighton between Monday, January 27, and Saturday, February 1.

For tickets call the box office on 0844 871 7650 or visit atgtickets.com /venues/theatre-royal-brighton.