Hollywood star Kate to jet in to visit dad's old school

He died aged just 31, after suffering a heart attack when Kate was just five years old.

Organisers say Kate, now 39, plans to visit the Cator Lane school on Wednesday as a blue plaque is unveiled in memory of her father.

It is believed she will be coming from filming in Bulgaria especially for the ceremony.

Head teacher Mark North said: "It's a real honour for the school to be a part of this special occasion, dedicated to the memory of Richard Beckinsale.

"We are also honoured to host Mr Beckinsale's family and friends. We place a high priority on the performing arts in school, and hope that pupils will continue to be inspired by Richard's career for many years to come."

Of the prospect of the Hollywood star's arrival, he added: "We thought 'we'll believe that when we see it', but it does look like she's coming.

"We are going to be talking about it with the pupils over the next few days as we had been keeping it under wraps."

The school has sent out letters to parents of its 260 pupils, informing them of the upcoming celebrity visit and celebrations.

Also due to attend the ceremony will be actress and Kate's mother Judy Loe, as well as other members of Mr Beckinsale's family and former school friends.

The plaque for Mr Beckinsale will be the 25th blue plaque unveiled by the Southern Broxtowe Blue Plaque Scheme.

The group includes representatives from the Beeston and District Local History Society, the Stapleford and District Local History Society, and the Bramcote Conservation Society.

Mr Beckinsale's plaque has been six months in the making.

It will read: "Richard Beckinsale 1947-1979. Actor, star of Porridge and Rising Damp, attended College House Junior School from 1954 to 1958, lived in Woodland Grove, Chilwell."

Peter Hillier, a member of the blue plaque group, helped to organise the event.

He said: "Kate is hoping to be there. She has a huge following and we do not know what the response will be like.

"My role has been making contact with Kate and members of the family.

"It's going to be a really quite emotional occasion because many people actually knew Richard. He had charisma and was a dynamic young actor who was popular in millions of households."