IT was like a real life soap opera at the Octagon Theatre as the stars turned out in force for the opening night of its production of Death of a Salesman.

The show stars former Emmerdale actor David Fleeshman as struggling salesman Willie Loman.

David's wife former Brookside actress Sue Jenkins was in the audience on Friday night, alongside the couple's son Richard Fleeshman, who played goth Craig in Coronation Street and won last year's TV talent show Soapstar Superstar.

His girlfriend, Emmerdale's Roxanne Pallett was also there, with her mum Monica and Richard's sister Emily.

Emmerdale was also represented by Jeff Hordley, who plays soap bad boy Cain Dingle.

Bolton's very own bullfrog Bernard Wrigley, a patron of the theatre, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, was also in the audience.

l Death of a Salesman runs at the theatre until April 7. Tickets are £7.50 to £17.50 on 01204 520661 or online at www.octagonbolton.co.uk