AGATHA CHRISTIE - JULIA MCKENZIE IS THE NEXT MISS MARPLE

Sitcom star JULIA MCKENZIE has been selected as the next MISS MARPLE.

The 67-year-old actress was awarded the part of the female detective after roles in NOTES ON A SCANDAL and CRANFORD as well as her well-known part in the sitcom FRESH FIELDS.

"I'm very excited, but also slightly daunted by the enormous responsibility that comes with taking on such an iconic role," she said.

She continued to joke: "I suppose I'll have to remind myself how to knit."

Ms McKenzie will begin filming A POCKETFUL OF RYE, the next instalment of the crime drama, in March.

She will be the seventh actress to portray Agatha Christie's famous sleuth, following in the footsteps of ANGELA LANSBURY, GRACIE FIELDS and the current Marple – GERALDINE MCEWAN.

Laura Mackie, ITV's director of drama, stated that Ms McKenzie will bring another dimension to the classic character and added that she was excited to see the actress's interpretation of the role.