AFTER spending six years on Coronation Street, Paula Lane knew that she wanted to experience new challenges as an actor.

Her character Kylie Platt met a tragic end in 2016 after being stabbed in the street in one of the soap’s most dramatic storylines which saw her die in husband David’s arms.

Since then Paula has starred in Being More Martin, a production which premiered at Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats before going down to London which celebrated Martyn Hett, the Coronation Street superfan who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing.

Now Paula is set to return to Manchester when the hit musical Kinky Boots comes to the Opera House as part of a national tour.

Paula plays Lauren the factory worker who plays a major role in transforming the fortunes of a failing shoe factory which finds a whole new market after staring to produce footwear for a dra queen named Lola.

It’s a show which has won every award going on both sides of the Atlantic and has been a major success in London’s West End.

“It’s pure feelgood theatre,” said Paula. “I think we are all still on a high after opening night and kicking off the tour in Northampton. Every night the audience reaction has just been amazing.”

Kinky Boots marks a major departure for Paula who has primarily worked in TV.

“I’m learning every day,” she said. “I’m always asking questions. This really isn’t my comfort zone, that’s really in front of a camera.

“Being on stage fascinates me. It’s the way things can change from night to night. I’m just learning a new craft particularly with the comedy. You have to give lines time so that the audience can grasp them and then get a reaction.”

“I have danced in my teens and touched on musicals in college but I really focused more on straight acting when I studied for my degree. This show is huge compared to being in front of the camera.

“I’m also having to be more relaxed on stage and accept that occasionally things can happen - that’s the appeal of life theatre. On TV you just do another take if it’s not perfect, on stage you just carry on.”

Based on the hugely successful movie, Kinky Boots features songs written by pop star Cyndi Lauper.

“The music is just relentless in a good way,” said Paula. “You can’t help but dance to it and go with it.

“I actually got to meet Cyndi Lauper at a press day for the show.

“She was there with her huge entourage. Honestly she smelt amazing. I was totally in awe of her, she was pretty spectacular.”

“I just loved being in her presence. She was really welcoming but you can tell she is a very clever woman.”

Paula needed no convincing to become part of the cast of Kinky Boots.

“I was invited to see it in the West End in February to see if I would be interested in the part,” she said. “I jumped on a train. I love to see musicals which give you goosebumps and take you away somewhere. A good show grabs you and that’s just what Kinky Boots does. It wasn’t exactly a hard decision to be part of it.”

Although Paula is loving being part of the touring show, she is having to come to terms with being away from her family - son Alfie will be four in December and daughter Penny Grace is two.

“I wont lie; it can be tough,” she said. “I feel a bit like I’m living in two worlds – as a mother and an actress - but I think any parent can share that feeling. If you are in this profession you have to understand you are going to be away from your children if that’s what is required.

“In the early stages when I was down for rehearsals in London I’ve never cried so much in my life. It was a real test.”

Alfie and Penny have been to see mum on tour, including this week in Newcastle.

“I was so happy to be able to tell Alfie what mummy does,” she said. “He’s nearly four now so he understands. He even wanted to sit in the seat and watch the whole show - he totally got it.

“The family will be with me for Christmas in Edinburgh and I do get home every weekend regardless of where we are in the country - that’s going to be interesting when we’re in Aberdeen!”

Paula and husband Tom live in Hebden Bridge where they also run a theatre school.

“Coming to Manchester is going to be great,” said Paula. “I have such an affinity with the city. I experienced so much there and feel that even though I am a Yorkshire girl, Manchester does have a special place in my heart. I love the heartbeat of the city, the people there and the vibe.”

Kinky Boots, Manchester Opera House, Monday, November 12 to Saturday, December 1. Details from 0844 871 3018 or www.atgtickets.com