ACTRESS Denise Welch will grace the stage of a Bolton theatre for a world premiere play about three friends and their quest for the secret of youth.

The Ancient Secret of Youth and the Five Tibetans — written by Farnworth playwright Jim Cartwright — will be staged at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, from April 30 to May 23.

The former Coronation Street actress and ex-Loose Women panellist will play one of three pals of 40 years who find an ancient book.

Within its dusty pages, it reveals a series of rituals that — if followed sincerely and with absolute diligence — promise to turn back the clock and give youth once again.

The 56-year-old's fellow cast members will include Eric Potts, who also appeared in Coronation Street as baker Diggory Compton, Waterloo Road actress Lauren Drummond and former Brookside and Emmerdale actor Tom Mannion. 

The Octagon's artistic director, David Thacker, who is directing the play, said: "It's always a privilege to direct a world premiere, but to direct a world premiere of a play by one of Bolton's most distinguished playwrights is a great honour — and an honour for the Octagon that Jim Cartwright has entrusted the play to us.

"I'm sure that the Octagon's audience will love this play — it will surprise them, make them laugh and touch them deeply.

"All of us who sometimes wish that we were young again will realise that we must be careful what we wish for.

"And those who are still young may be reminded not to waste the opportunities that youth offers them.”

Mother-of-three Denise, who visited the Octagon last week to watch a production of Hindle Wakes, will arrive at the theatre on Monday to start rehearsals.

Writing on Twitter to express her delight, she said: "Thrilled to have been offered the lead in this exciting new production!! Hope you'll all come!!"

The winner of the 2012 series of Celebrity Big Brother added: "Jim Cartwright is my favourite contemporary writer".

The international award-winning playwright's work is among the most-performed in the Octagon’s history, including Road, Two, Eight Miles High, Bed & Baths and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice — which played to sell-out audiences in 2012.

Tickets are on sale now for The Ancient Secret of Youth and the Five Tibetans, at the Octagon from Thursday, April 30, to Saturday, May 23. Phone the box office on 01204 520661.