EMMERDALE star Frazer Hines, alias Joe Sugden from the hit television soap, is very much alive - and helping solve the murders of others in his new role as Inspector Lord in Agatha Christie's stage version of Spider's Web.

Super-sleuths and budding detectives are in for a treat as

the touring murder mystery hits Blackpool's Grand Theatre on Monday.

The thriller has a star-studded cast including Jill Greenacre, best known for her part as Linda in the comic TV series The Brittas Empire, and fellow Emmerdale actor, Richard Franklin.

Frazer described his rather quirky character as a cross between a Police Inspector and TV detective Colombo as he said: "I have never played a policeman before and was a bit apprehensive, but he has got a great sense of humour and isn't conventional.

"In fact there are many comic moments throughout the show."

The Nottinghamshire-based actor has been to Blackpool several times before and is looking forward to re-visiting the resort.

"I hope the weather is good for the week I'm in town.

"I love doing all the tourist things, like riding the big dipper and eating ice cream," he said.

Fun-loving Frazer admits to missing his Emmerdale days as he mentioned: "I do miss the old gang.

"We had some great times together. The farming community spirit did rub off on me and that, along with my lifelong love of horses, has inspired me to raise a stud farm."

Tickets for the show are available from the box office on 290190 priced from £8 to £13 with the usual concessions. The play runs to June 27.

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