WHEN Casey-Lee Jolleys auditioned in a children's dance competition at Bobby Ball's nightclub, little did she know they would be working together years later.

The pair have joined forces to open a dance, drama and comedy school in Casey's home town of Bolton.

And she will be teaching people of all ages to follow in her footsteps, while Bobby will be teaching comedy classes.

Casey was just nine years old when she took to the stage at Bobby's nightclub, Braces, in Rochdale and won the top prize.

She went on to become a championship dancer and has performed in the West End.

She is also known to millions as playing Fred Elliott's Thai bride, Orchid, in Coronation Street.

Casey, aged 33, who is originally from Astley Bridge, said: "We will have about 12 members of staff who will be teaching a range of styles including ballroom, ballet and tap as well as things like salsa and boxercise.

"One of the teachers was a judge at the children's dance competition all those years ago. It's a small world."

"There will be classes for people of all ages and levels, and people can train to become professional dancers or do it for fun."

She met Bobby again five years ago when they were taking part in a pantomime, and the pair discussed opening an academy together.

Their dream will become reality on April 16, when The Casey-Lee Jolleys Academy of Dance and Drama at Hartford Court, Weston Street, opens.

Bobby said: "This is a really exciting venture. Casey is an excellent dancer and actress, and when we talked about doing this I thought it would be great to do comedy classes too, so the school will teach a bit of everything.

"Sometimes you meet people who are great comedians, but their writing lets them down, or great writers who don't really have the stage presence."

l The Academy can be contacted on 01204 398839.