CORONATION Street's Ashley is heading to Bolton this Easter to bring a little cheer to families.

Actor Steven Arnold, who played butcher Ashley Peacock in the top rated TV soap for 15 years, is to star in Beauty and the Beast, the Easter pantomime at the Albert Halls.

Also appearing in the show will be former X-Factor and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Chris Maloney who will be joined by panto favourites Rebecca Lake and Andrew Curphey along with local dancers and a supporting cast.

This will the fifth year that Trio Entertainment will be bringing some seasonal entertainment to the town.

Producer Kevin Brown, said: “We can’t wait to bring professional pantomime back to Bolton this Easter after four successful Easter pantomime productions.

"We have been working with the team at The Albert Halls over the last year and we have some really exciting things lined up for everyone! It’s going to be a fun filled family extravaganza."

Steven Arnold was nominated both as Best Actor at the National Television Awards and Most Popular Actor at the British Soap Awards during his time on Coronation Street, His character was dramatically killed off in the an episode broadcast to mark the soap's 50th anniversary. He has subsequently taken part in Dancing on Ice.

Beauty and the Beast is at the Albert Halls, Bolton, on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8. Details from www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk.