Miss Langford still looking Bonnie at 48: Former child star happily strips down to underwear for latest role

PUBLISHED: 18:32 EST, 4 November 2012 | UPDATED: 18:32 EST, 4 November 2012

Many middle-aged women wouldn’t reveal their suspenders in private, let alone in public.

But at 48, Bonnie Langford is happily stripping down to her underwear for her latest role.

The former child star is touring Britain in 9 To 5, a musical comedy based on the 1980 film starring Dolly Parton telling the story of three women who take revenge on their bigoted male boss.

Still got it: Bonnie Langford on stage in musical 9 to 5, playing Roz Keith

Wearing a burgundy basque and black lacy stockings, Miss Langford is more than happy to reveal her enviable figure on stage proving that she’s still got what it takes to be leading lady.

The trained dancer also showed she still has the flexibility to impress. Reclining at one point on a sofa, Miss Langford stretched out her legs, suggestively showcasing her Moulin Rouge style outfit.

Miss Langford, first shot to fame after winning the talent contest Opportunity Knocks aged just six years old.

With her riot of red curls and her precocious manner, she became Britain’s definitive child star, appearing in a number of stage and screen roles.

She became best known for her work in the 1970s which included the TV series Just William, the 1976 film Bugsy Malone and Wombling Free in 1978.

Child star: Bonnie aged six in 1970's show 'Opportunity Knocks'

Child star: Bonnie shot to fame aged six in 1970's talent show 'Opportunity Knocks'

Wombling: Bonnie Langford as Kim in 1978 children's film 'Wombling Free' with the Wombles

Wombling: Bonnie Langford as Kim in 1978 Womble's film 'Wombling Free'

In a career than has spanned more than 40 years, Miss Langford has also enjoyed success as an adult, appearing as a celebrity contestant on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2006.

In an interview earlier this year, she said that being a performer has made her critical of the way she looks.

Glamorous: Bonnie Langford on the red carpet at Britain's Best awards in 2008

She said: ‘As a dancer I’ve always checked my body constantly; “Am I having a good day or am I having a fat day.

'I am probably more critical of myself than anyone else, I am very tiny - 5’1 and a half inches - so there’s nowhere for weight to hide.

'I used to hate my bottom because as a dancer you’re supposed to have nothing there.'

Miss Langford who has 11-year-old daughter Biana with her husband Paul Grunert says that she doesn’t feel her age.

She said: ‘I am 48 but I don’t feel it, whatever you’re meant to feel or like at this age. I see wrinkles and lines, and wear glasses to read, which I hate. But I am in a better place in my body than I used to be’.

Miss Langford’s success has clearly inspired the younger female members of her family.

For all four of her nieces are actresses.

Her youngest niece Sasi Strallen, 18, is appearing with her in 9 to 5 as a member of the chorus.

Meanwhile Summer Strallen, 26 has a leading role in the West End musical Top Hat and Scarlet Strallen, 30 is starring in the musical theatre classic Singing in the Rain which is also on in the West End.

But speaking about her family, Miss Langford whose daughter Biana is also set to start stage school says she was somewhat reluctant for her daughter to enter show business.

She said: 'Until now she’s been at normal school and they’d say “she’s going to be in show business” and I’d say, “don’t say that, why tell her that.”

‘But she’s already done bits and pieces and when we took her to look at a stage school, she felt completely at home. But is there a sense that I want to protect my daughter? Absolutely.'

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She is a very talented performer.

- Emma , Midlands UK, 05/11/2012 11:14

Click to rate Rating 13

I thquemed when I saw her photo - Henry V111 , London, 05/11/2012 08:10 It must say something for her that the character stayed in your mind. - David, Sussex, United Kingdom, 5/11/2012 8:57 You're right, I have only just got over the nightmares .. until now ..

- Henry V111 , London, 05/11/2012 10:47

Click to rate Rating 2

she used to irritate the hell out of me

- goodness , Reading Royal Berkshire, United Kingdom, 05/11/2012 10:39

Click to rate Rating 6

Bonnie was an obnoxious child but I think she grew up to be a lovely woman

- Jude , Aberdeen, 05/11/2012 10:33

Click to rate Rating 29

I knew a bloke who worked on the scenery at the BBC and he said she was always friendly to everyone. Its a shame she got type cast so early on.

- TheRealThang , London, United Kingdom, 05/11/2012 10:28

Click to rate Rating 38

Such an annoying person!

- crazydaisy , Kent, United Kingdom, 05/11/2012 09:54

Click to rate Rating 45

I saw the show a few weeks ago and was gob smacked at her figure, she looked amazing for 48! Looking a bit older in the face but that's to be expected, you need a bit more weight when you're older to fill in the wrinkles! Great show, light hearted and fun and I do love Dolly!

- I'm Right , Was Great Britain, 05/11/2012 09:36

Click to rate Rating 31

She was an utterly revolting child. - Andy , Manchester, 05/11/2012 08:02 Quite a damning statement about a child you know nothing about all you know is the character she played who was intentionally horrible but that is called acting, she is a typical stage school product, by all accounts a very nice person as members of my family know her and very talented

- Hammerit , Maidstone, 05/11/2012 09:21

Click to rate Rating 64

I definitely would!!!!!!

- doctorbob , Liverpool, 05/11/2012 09:18

Click to rate Rating 18

Of course she stripped down to her undies...they all do...they have nothing left to offer at an older age because we are geared to youth....and the younger ones are stripping already before they have even established themselves...assuming they everhad real intention of doing so in a serious way....so strip away girls.

- r1ccar , birmingham, 05/11/2012 09:10

Click to rate Rating 41

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