Don't Panic: Stellar British cast for new Dad's Army film revealed

Dad's Army. (from r-l) Clive Dunn, James Beck, John Le Mesurier, Arthur Lowe, John Laurie, Ian Lavender and Arnold Ridley. Credit: PA

Hollywood star Catherine Zeta Jones is among a stellar cast signed up for the film version of the Second World War sitcom Dad's Army.

The Welsh actress will play a journalist sent to Walmington-on-Sea to write about the hapless Home Guard.

Toby Jones will play Captain Mainwaring, originally played by Arthur Lowe. Credit: PA

The film is directed by Oliver Parker - famous for Johnny English Reborn and St Trinian's - and sees the volunteers in search for a spy.

Bill Nighy has been cast as Sergeant Wilson, originally played by John Le Mesurier. Credit: PA

The cast includes Toby Jones in the role of pompous bank manager Captain Mainwaring - played by Arthur Lowe in the original - and Bill Nighy will play his deputy, Sergeant Wilson - originally played by John Le Mesurier.

Tom Courtenay takes over from Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones. Credit: PA

Michael Gambon will play Godfrey, Tom Courtenay takes over from Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison will be the "stupid boy" Private Pike and Danny Mays as the spiv Walker.

Michael Gambon has been cast as Godfrey, originally played by Arnold Ridley. Credit: PA / Empics Entertainment

There are also roles for Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman, Mark Gatiss and Annette Crosbie.

Blake Harrison will play 'stupid boy' Private Pike, originally played by Ian Lavender. Credit: PA

They start filming this month in Yorkshire.

Danny Mays has been cast as Walker, originally played by James Beck. Credit: PA

The show, which ran from 1968 to 1977, attracted 18 million viewers at its height and the original cast made a film in 1971.

The original Dad's Army had audiences of 18 million at its height. Credit: PA

Some two million still people tune in for repeats of the old show which was the creation of Jimmy Perry and David Croft.