Alyson Hannigan on making her West End debut.

In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, Alyson says she is petrified about appearing in the stage version of When Harry Met Sally, but keen to get up there.

"I might as well start big, right? Skip the baby steps and take a huge leap," she jokes.

Alyson is quick to answer critics that bemoan the current trend of Americans starring in the West End.

"First of all, this play takes place in New York so I think it's better with Americans. And, you know, a lot of you English people come to America. I think it's give and take, and it's a good sign. To come here is something that people view as a great thing in your career. I do understand that it's becoming more and more popular, but I don't care if you hate me for doing it. I wanted to come to prove to myself that I could do it."

She's also keen to allay fears that the play won't be as good as the original film.

"I can see why people think it shouldn't be tampered with because the movie was so wonderful," she says. "I think it's going to be one of those things that's going to have a life of its own for years and years and years. Like The Producers. It really works on stage."

Indeed, Alyson has avoided watching the movie since being cast.

"I don't want to make the wrong choice just to be different from what Meg Ryan did, but, at the same time, I'm not doing an impersonation."

When Harry Met Sally, currently in previews, opens at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket on 20th February for a run of sixteen weeks.