WEARING a nappy and swearing in verse at a TV icon of the 70s (playing a TV icon of the 90s) isn't your typical working day - even for an experienced star of the West End stage like Carrie Ellis.

But the Fylde's own Carrie is loving every minute of her new double role in the Cambridge Theatre version of Jerry Springer the Opera. Jerry Springer the Opera takes its theme from the diary of American dysfunction which shocked, appalled and enthralled ITV viewers throughout the 1990s.

The eponymous chat show host is played by one of the few legends of the small screen even better known than him - former Starsky and Hutch star, David Soul.

"I used to love watching the TV series," enthuses Carrie: "It was on at lunchtime, but there was a late night version which was quite hard to follow because there were more bleeping than dialogue!

"David is the only one who speaks in the whole show - we reply to him in song. I worked with David a few years ago - we did a radio version of A Chorus Line - he is the most down to earth man. He give us all a kiss and a hug before we go on."

And that is probably just what Carrie needs before tackling what must be some of the oddest roles in musical history.

After a relatively straightforward first act as a woman whose husband is playing away not only with her best friend but also with a woman who isn't quite what she seems, Carrie heads into truly weird territory as a woman called Baby Jane.

"She is having a relationship with a man who likes her to dress up as a baby, complete with nappy and bottle."

It is a far cry from previous roles in shows such as Cats, Me And My Girl and TV appearances, including the popular BBC drama series, Cutting It.

Carrie chose Jerry Springer over the chance to appear in a musical version of Jekyll and Hyde, but she spends much of her time in the north and is also passing on her experience to the next generation of actors.

And, of course, with family locally she never forgets the Fylde.

"My hairdresser is in Blackpool, my dentist is in Blackpool and I really miss the sea. It just isn't the same down here."

Tickets for the show are available by phone on 0870 890 1102 or 0870 060 1733 or online at www.jerryspringertheopera.com.