MURDER is in the air at Malvern Theatres as a new production of Dial M for Murder comes to town.

Strictly Come Dancing star Tom Chambers joins X Factor finalist Diana Vickers for the show, which has been called the blueprint for the modern thriller.

Chambers plays the charismatic and manipulative Tony Wendice, a jaded ex tennis pro who gave it all up for his wife Margo (Diana Vickers).

When he discovers she has been unfaithful, his mind turns to revenge and the pursuit of the perfect crime.

Christopher Harper, of Coronation Street and Strangers on a Train, performs the dual roles of Captain Lesgate and Inspector Hubbard.

Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film, Dial M for murder sees Tony become increasingly tangled in a web of his own making.

The film starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, Anthony Dawson, and John Williams.

Both the screenplay and the successful stage play on which it was based were written by English playwright Frederick Knott.

Leading man Tom Chambers, crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2008, said: "We’re not going down the obvious cad root.

"Our take on Tony is as a friendly, warm person who is caring and honest but behind the scenes he’s working a whole load of stuff out."

Diana Vickers is taking over from Not Going Out actress Sally Bretton and said: "I’m a massive fan of the genre so saying yes was a no-brainer for me.

"Margo feels very trapped in her situation with Tony, constantly running around after him.

"Then she meets Max and he’s new and fresh and makes her feel alive.

"I think she quite likes the danger of having an affair under her husband’s nose.

"She doesn’t really have a voice. The way the inspector speaks to her is almost like: ‘Shush, woman. The boys will deal with this.’"

Dial M For Murder will be appearing at Malvern Festival Theatre from Monday 29th November to Saturday 4th December.

Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.