EX-CORONATION Street star Andrew Lancel makes his Floral Pavilion stage debut in a touring production of Cilla - The Musical next week.

The actor - who played villain Frank Foster in the ITV soap - is Cilla's mentor and Beatles manager Brian Epstein in the show, which is at the New Brighton venue from Tuesday until Saturday, October 27.

Written by Jeff Pope and directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tompson, it is the musical adaptation of an acclaimed ITV series on the early life of Cilla Black, the Liverpool-born entertainer who died in 2015.

She is played on stage by Kara Lily Haworth, who wowed Cilla's son Robert Willis, the show’s executive producer, during auditions for its Liverpool Empire premiere last year.

Looking forward to appearing at the Floral Pavilion, Andrew Lancel told the Globe today: "I've seen a variety of shows there, from Postman Pat to Des O'Connor, but never performed there.

"I'm really looking to finally getting the chance."

It is not the first time the star of Cardiac Arrest, The Bill and Coronation Street has donned the smart suit and posh voice to play Epstein, who died in 1967.

He said: "Brian left us far too soon. He’s been a big part of my life for the last six years.

"I played him in Epstein - the Man who made The Beatles at the Epstein Theatre and in the West End.

"Bill Kenwright asked if I would like to play him in Cilla. I jumped at the chance."

Andrew said he is very happy to be part of such a talented cast and crew, adding: "The cast is a very close family.

"I've had some brilliant leading ladies, but Kara Lily Hayworth is a force of nature ... a fantastic singer, of the like I've never worked with before."

After landing the role of Cilla in last year's auditions Kara Lily Hayworth - a graduate from the Central School of Speech and Drama - admitted she had been a fan since the age of 11, adding: "I grew up watching Blind Date with my nan.

"To be chosen to play her is such an honour and I am so excited to take on the role."

On selecting Kara to play his mum, Robert Willis said of the discovery who had queued for four hours to audition at London's Dominion Theatre: "We wanted someone to capture mum's spirit.

"Not an impersonation.

"Kara came in with her huge personality and amazing voice.

"When I saw the reaction from the audience at the Cavern I knew we had found her.”

Tickets for next week's show at the Floral Pavilion are from the box office on 666 0000.