ONE of the stars of the classic film East is East has spoken of his delight that the story is again being brought to life at the Octagon Theatre.

Ian Aspinall, who grew up in The Haulgh, Bolton, played the part of eldest son Nazir Khan in the screen version of Ayub Khan Din's tale about a large family growing up in Salford's Asian community in the 1970s.

REVIEW: East is East at the Octagon

Released in 1999, the film has remained as popular as ever, with the themes of arranged marriages and cultural taboos as relevant today as they were nearly 50 years ago.

Ian, who will be back in Bolton to see the Octagon production which opened this week, says the film holds many special memories for him.

"The film has a brilliant legacy," he said. "The story is my Spring and Port Wine. I grew up in a big northern family and I can really relate to it."

Ian was involved in early workshops of the play when he was working in Warwickshire in the mid 1990s, but never actually performed in it on stage, instead going on to play a series of roles for television, including the part of PC Colin Jitlada in three series of police drama City Central, where he starred alongside fellow-Bolton actor Paul Nicholls.

That turned out to be a blessing, as when the producers were casting for East is East, they decided they did not want anyone who had appeared in the stage version.

Ian had worked with co-star Jimi Mistry previously, and the pair were invited for auditions, both successfully landing parts.

After the film Ian went on to star in perhaps his best known role, as Mubbs Hussein in hospital drama Holby City.

Since then he has regularly appeared on stage up and down the country, as well as doing some teaching and continuing his passion for music, recently guesting on stage in Bolton with old pals TVOD.

By his own admission, parts are harder to find these days, especially as his youthful looks often led to him being cast in roles younger than his real age.

"I've pushed barriers and done amazing things, but as you get older, that doesn't quite happen the same," he smiled.

Despite his impressive career, many people remember Ian best for a bit part he played in Coronation Street.

Although he wasn't in the soap for long, his character made a big impact, killing Brian Tilsley in a street fight in 1989.

"People still remember me for that," he says. "Although these days it's mostly the mothers!"

Ian says he is looking forward to visiting the Octagon, where he will meet up with another friend, Kulvinder Ghir, who plays Nazir's dad George Khan.

"I love the vibe of the Octagon," he said. "I'm really looking forward to watching it."

East is East runs at The Octagon until April 14. For tickets contact the box office on 01204 520661.