ACTOR Ian Cross took time out from the latest hit production of "Blood Brothers" to go back to school.

Ian chatted to theatre studies students at St Mary's College, Blackburn, where he was given his first acting break.

Originally from Great Harwood, Ian graduated from the Guildford School of Acting and has since starred in the hit musicals Joseph, Starlight Express and Tommy in London's West End.

Ian, 30, was invited back to St Mary's by his former theatre studies tutor Sarah Flannagan.

"He was in 'The Accrington Pals' which was the first play I put on when I came here in 1983," recalled Sarah.

"He was a very good actor even at that age."

Ian's parents Donald and Elizabeth still live in Cattle Street, Great Harwood, and his sister Marie works at Burnley Fire Station.

Ian is just beginning a nationwide tour playing a policeman and teacher in the hugely successful Blood Brothers - currently at Preston Charter Theatre - and will then see what happens.

He uses the stage name Stuart Cross because there was already another Equity member called Ian Cross.

His advice for budding actors and actresses is simple: "Don't go into the business thinking you are going to get fame and fortune, because if you do it's pure luck.

"It's a case of being in the right place at the right time and you need to get as many strings to your bow as possible."

He added: "I'd love to get TV work but it's very difficult to get people to see you when your CV is all musical theatre.

"They think you are not a serious actor, which is a shame.

"I'd like to do anything from situation comedy to something dark and sinister."

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