RENOWNED for his role as serial killer Richard Hillman on Coronation Street, Brian Capron returns to the edgy stomping ground that bought him firmly into the public’s eye as he takes Strictly Murder to The Haymarket next month.

Playing a sadistic murderer in the soap during the noughties, Brian’s first jaunt back in the deceitful world of murder and mystery has been long overdue.

But catching up with The Gazette before he transforms into the role of a Scotland Yard detective, Brian reflected on why he decided to get involved with this “pulsating” thriller and how TV shows are no replacement for the stage.

“I don’t do many thrillers anymore,” Brian tells The Gazette.

“But when I was offered this role, it just was so different I thought I had to have a go at it.

"It’s written by Brian Clemens – one of the best TV thriller writers – and with this play is suspenseful, so from that first instance people are hooked.”

It’s an all-star cast headed by Brian, with Emmerdale duo Gary Turner and Corrinne Wicks as an English couple who live in 1939 Provence, whose peace is shattered when Corrinne’s character Suzy discovers her partner is not the man he claims to be.

“This is a play that was written for TV and retains that thrilling energy on stage,” Richard said.

“It starts in this idyllic situation before itjust suddenly erupts and there is so much action without words. The heart is really pumping and even though it’s on stage there are some absolutely shocking moments throughout.”

He added: “I think these types of shows are why people still come to the theatre.

“You might have Netflix, but people want that shared experience of going out together. It’s a rare thing these days.

“When our show was on you could hear a pin drop. I don’t think I even heard anyone cough. They were engrossed.”

With video-playing platforms such as YouTube and Netflix encouraging people to stay in and watch a film as opposed to get out and watch a play, it has come as a surprise that the theatre is still as strong as it is for Brian.

He said: “When I started out in the 70s, I thought it would all be over within 20-years, to be honest. There is a lot of solitary confinement with people using their iPads and what have you, but people still come. But with this play, I’m not surprised. It’s beautiful.”

Strictly Murder comes to The Haymarket between May 3 and 6.

Visit anvilarts.org.uk/whatson/strictly-murder.