LONDON'S Burning TV star Steven Houghton has been cast in the starring role of Chris for the UK's biggest-ever touring musical, Miss Saigon, which will visit Sunderland's Empire Theatre next year.

The newly-revamped venue is staging Cameron Mackintosh's latest version of the popular West End show from January 18 until March 5.

Houghton joins US national tour stars Jon-Jon Briones, as The Engineer, and Jennifer Hubilla, as the tragic Kim.

The musical, composed by Boubil and Schonberg, will use cutting edge visual techniques to recreate the streets of Vietnam and Bangkok, and the famous final helicopter flight from the American Embassy roof.

For ticket details about Miss Saigon, which features a cast of 50 actors, ring 0870 602 1130. Prices range from £14 to £35.