LORD of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen is to achieve his last remaining acting ambition - by appearing in Coronation Street.

The former Bolton School pupil has signed up to appear in 10 episodes of the ITV soap as author Mel Hutchwright, whose books are being studied by the Weatherfield Book Club.

Sir Ian, who played wizard Gandalf in the hit movie trilogy, will make his first appearance on the Street in May.

And it soon becomes clear that the flamboyant actor is not all that he seems.

His character Hutchwright is the author of Hard Grinding, the steamy bodice-ripper being read by the book club.

There has been much discussion over the identity of Hutchwright and Norris is delighted in May when he manages to book the author to speak to members.

Last year, Sir Ian said that his only remaining ambition was to appear in Corrie after he fulfilled his desire to play a pantomime dame, appearing as Widow Twanky in the theatre production of Aladdin.

He has told fans through his website that his character will be a "dodgy novelist," and that the script is "hilarious".

He also said: "Coronation Street is recorded just off Quay Street in Manchester where I did some of my earliest theatre-going at the Opera House. So it will be a little like going home."

Sir Ian admits that he turned down the role of Elsie Tanner's long lost nephew 15 years ago. He added: "Now, I am nervous but raring to go. I don't yet know what Mel will look like nor sound like (a bit of my native northern accent maybe) but I'm already studying his lines."

Sir Ian will begin filming the scenes in April, and producers say they are delighted to have the veteran actor on board.

l Sir Ian is one of a number of stars vying for a chance to star in a charity episode of a popular radio show The Archers.

He is encouraging the public to vote him onto a one-off production of BBC Radio 4's The Archers ahead of Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor, Stephen Fry, and daytime TV host Liza Tarbuck.

Bury comedienne Victoria Wood has written a special episode of the show to raise money for Comic Relief, and the stars will be heard asking for listeners of the show to vote them in to appear on the unique broadcast.