Nigel Harman, a star from the U.K. soap series “EastEnders,” will play Sky Masterson beginning Dec. 5. He’ll be joining another soap star, Sarah Lancashire (best-known as Raquel in “Coronation Street”) as Miss Adelaide.

The staging has been a huge box-office success, but some commentators have questioned how far the grosses have reflected McGregor’s profile. Now they’ll find out, as Harman — though a household face in Britain — is some way short of the Scottish actor’s celebrity wattage.

However, Harman is hardly a musicals novice. He has previously appeared in Mamma Mia!, Tommy and Privates on Parade (at the Donmar, also directed by Michael Grandage, who steers this production).

Guys and Dolls producer Howard Panter told London’s Evening Standard newspaper, “Ewan is a very difficult actor to replace but Nigel is perfect. He’s handsome and he’s got the credentials and the ability to star in one of the greatest musicals of all time. I believe he is bowing out of 'EastEnders' in some dramatic way soon. Sarah is one of our leading TV actresses and is wonderful casting. Together they make a very powerful package but there’s one ingredient left — a new Nathan Detroit. But I’m in New York talking to someone very special.”

The current Nathan Detroit is Douglas Hodge. Lancashire’s predecessor as Adelaide is Jane Krakowski. The show is running at the Piccadilly. For more information call (0)870 060 0123.