Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Bradley Cooper is to appear in London's West End with a transfer of his Broadway hit The Elephant Man.

The US heartthrob, 40, will tread the boards in Britain from May in the production about the life of Joseph Merrick who lived with profound deformities. Merrick was famously portrayed on-screen by Sir John Hurt.

Cooper has drawn acclaim for the role in New York and the cast - which also includes Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola - will head to London's Haymarket Theatre.

The star was last week announced as a best actor nominee at next month's Oscars ceremony.

Cooper said. "Never did we think we would have the privilege to perform this show on Broadway, let alone in London. I'm honoured that Alessandro, Patricia, the entire company and I have the opportunity to continue to tell his story."