Ugly Betty star America Ferrera is to make her West End debut in the long-running musical Chicago.

The actress, known for wearing dental braces and eccentric outfits in the hit US comedy, will play an altogether more glamourous role when she steps into the shoes of scheming showgirl Roxie Hart.

She is the latest celebrity to take over the character of the femme fatale, following Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, actress and presenter Denise Van Outen and pop star Ashlee Simpson. Renee Zellweger played Roxie in the 2002 film of Chicago.

Ms Ferrera will step on to the stage at the Garrick Theatre in London, the new home of the show, on November 7 when she begins an eight-week run. She will help celebrate the start of the show’s 15th year in London on its anniversary on November 18.

Starring opposite Ms Ferrera as Velma Kelly will be Amra-Faye Wright, who is currently appearing in the Broadway production.

Chicago opened at London’s Adelphi Theatre on November 18, 1997, transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006. The final performance there was on August 27 before the move to its new home. Further casting for the production is yet to be announced.