Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The stage production features a flying car

As many actors will tell you, playing the villain can often be a lot more fun than being a romantic lead.

So, Peter Polycarpou's role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang should be a romp.

He's joining the West End Musical as the Child Catcher, replacing the Lilly Savage star Paul O'Grady from December 9.

"I've been preparing by scaring the children in our area," Peter joked when he joined Bill and Jules in the studio this morning.

The actor, who is best known as Pauline Quirke's husband in the BBC1 comedy, is unrecognisable in his new role.

"It's one of those roles where the make-up does most of the work for you, " he told us. "I have to wear a mask, like phantom of the opera."

The musical is known for its fantastic special effects, including a flying car."At the end of the show, I literally end up on the roof of the London Palladium," Peter told us.

click here to watch Breakfast's interview in full with Peter Polycarpou

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is playing at the London Palladium, Argyll St, London W1