SHE is blonde, glamorous and a well-known star of the screen.

So it is no wonder Sheila Dibnah says she is “absolutely delighted”

with the news actress Michelle Collins is to play her in The Demolition Man, the Octagon’s forthcoming play about the life of Fred Dibnah.

“I think Fred would be dead chuffed,” she said. “I think he’d say something like, ‘Aye, she’s a bit of alright, lass.’ “I feel very humbled that such a famous actress is playing little old me — I couldn’t believe it, it felt like Christmas when they told me.”

Michelle will appear opposite John Branwell, who will be playing Fred.

And Sheila has already been working closely with the theatre and playwright Aelish Michael on the script for the play, which will be directed by the Octagon’s artistic director David Thacker.

“It’s a very tender portrayal and I’m looking forward to seeing it,”

she said. “Aelish has been to the yard and spent a lot of time with us and even though she never had the chance to meet Fred, I think she’s interpreted it very well.

“When I read the script, I though how well she had caught all the nuances.”

Sheila will also be presenting an evening of previously unseen footage of Fred as part of the peripheral events surrounding the play, which the Octagon says it hopes it can expand into a full Fred Dibnah mini season.

“The Octagon are very good, they’re dedicated to getting involved in everything,” said Sheila.

“Everything that carries Fred’s name in his memory is great, it keeps him alive.”

She says she has been touched by how enthusiastic people still are about Fred and his legacy.

“I think it’s because he was unique — there was no one else quite like Fred,” she said.

“There has been great interest in Fred’s legacy. It’s like there has been something of a revival. I love the look on people’s faces when they come into the yard and see his shed and the mineshaft.”

The Demolition Man will run from April 7 to May 7 next year.

For further information, visit the Octagon website at octagon bolton.co.uk or call the theatre on 01204 529407.