IT has been announced that Dad’s Army, the popular TV sitcom, is to be made into a new feature film for worldwide cinema release, starring Bill Nighy as Sgt Wilson and Toby Jones as Capt Mainwaring.

But now Dad’s Army fans have a rare opportunity to spend the evening with one of the last surviving cast members of the classic TV sitcom.

Frank Williams, 83, right, who played the wonderfully ecc-entric, slightly tetchy vicar who constantly battled to come to terms with the elderly platoon’s invasion of his church hall, will be at Christchurch Reg-ent Centre on Sunday, August 10, at 4pm.

As part of the national chat show tour, More Tea Vicar? he will be revealing some of the secrets behind one of the most popular TV successes of all time.

“It’s been simply wonderful to be part of something so special,” said Frank.

“Although I have spent many years in various film and television roles, being part of Dad’s Army is hard to beat.

“When we started all those years ago, Ian Lavender and I were the youngest members of the cast. It’s odd now that we are the only two left.”

Even after 40 years the series continues to pull huge viewing figures, becoming one of the all-time classic greats of television.

“People from all ages love it because it’s such gentle comedy,” smiles Frank.

However, Dad’s Army is only a small part of Frank’s career, and as he embarks on an entertaining journey down memory lane, he re-lives some of the fascinating and hilarious highlights of a film, stage and TV career spanning over 50 years.

“I’m looking forward to talking about the strange and remarkable things that the audience never see,” says Frank.

“Like the time we were filming an episode of Dad’s Army and nearly got flattened by a runaway steam train, or when I watched myself on live TV being operated on in Emergency Ward 10 in the comfort of my own home.

“We also plan to show my personal home movie of the Dad’s Army cast on tour.

“It’s fascinating TV nostalgia and salutes this year’s war commemorations.”

While best known as the vicar from Dad’s Army, Frank has worked with many TV legends, including Tommy Cooper, Harry Worth, Dick Emery and Morecambe & Wise, and has appeared in more than 30 feature films, including three with Norman Wisdom.

His numerous other television series include TV classics such as The Army Game, All Gas & Gaiters, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and more recently, You Rang M’Lord?

Frank isn’t worried by the recent controversy about fewer casting opportunities for older actors.

He said: “I’ve just done a feature film and also a TV pilot with Robert Lindsay, and I’m part of a TV Comedy Legends cruise later in the year.

“I’ve told my agent that a small part in Casualty or Downton next would be quite fun. I’m not ready to hang up my hat yet!”

Frank was recently invited to Clarence House for a special reception given by Prince Charles and Camilla – Dad’s Army has long been a favourite of the royal family – and with plans for Frank to feature in the new Dad’s Army feature film, perhaps the golden age of television isn’t quite over yet?

n More Tea Vicar? is at The Regent Centre on Sunday, August 10, at 4pm.

Tickets cost £12.50 (concessions £10.50).