She will star opposite Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior in the hit musical in London next summer.

It will be the first time Goldberg has played the role on stage after starring in the films Sister Act and Sister Act 2 - Back In The Habit.

It is 28 years since Academy Award-winning Goldberg starred in the original film.

Whoopi Goldberg in her lead Sister Act role

Goldberg is also a producer of the new version, as she was when the show first debuted in the West End in 2009.

On Thursday matinees, her role will be played by West End star and Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards.

Sister Act will run at London's Eventim Apollo from 29 July to 30 August next year.

The musical has since run on Broadway and been performed by touring companies around the world.

Sister Act features original music from Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.

Jamie Wilson, who will produce the show alongside Goldberg, said: "It has been so exciting to work with Whoopi, Alan Menken, Douglas Carter Beane and Glenn Slater to revise and refresh Sister Act for this newly-adapted production.

"This is a very special one-off opportunity created just for London to see one of the most loved actors of our time playing the part she is so famous and so loved for.

"The addition of Jennifer means that Sister Act truly promises to be the ultimate night of laughs and smiles with two comedy greats.

"I'm also thrilled that Brenda Edwards, who has been so instrumental in Whoopi agreeing to return to the stage, has been able to schedule her TV commitments so she can play Deloris on

Thursday matinees. It really is going to be a brilliant summer."

Tickets are on sale now.

Whoopi Goldberg to reprise Sister Act role in new UK musical