A CORONATION Street star whose love life blossomed at Bolton's Octagon Theatre, sparking massive interest in the national press, is returning to the town -- to star in Private Lives!

Stephen Beckett, who played "dirty doctor" Matt Ramsden in the top soap, met his wife, the then Emmerdale star Anna Brecon, on the set of The Octagon's production of The Blue Room in May, 2000.

The high profile pair attracted media interest which neither relished. So, for Stephen his latest choice of play is not only inspirational for him from an acting point of view -- but also quite appropriate!

He said: "I do not enjoy being in the spotlight anymore. I had been when I was in The Bill, but Coronation Street is different league in that respect. Being in the soap does have its benefits, but there are also the disadvantages.

"It would be wonderful to be a successful actor who manages to avoid the publicity and press spotlight. But I suppose, that is the nature of the beast.

"I did have a 24 hour panic before accepting the role in Coronation Street, because of the tabloid focus that comes with it. My storyline was great. It suited me perfectly to leave after such a good story.

"But I would think twice before going back to something similar.

"I am in an ideal situation now working in both television and theatre. I have done a lot of theatre since I have left Coronation Street, but it would be now quite nice to do a gritty television drama."

However, coming back to The Octagon brings back special memories. Stephen said: "This is the place where Anna and I fell in love. We both have a huge amount of sentiment for Bolton the town and the Octagon."

In fact, the man responsible for bringing the pair together, Octagon artistic director Mark Babych, has become a close friend. And, revealed Stephen, Mark actually officiated at their wedding last June.

The pair now live in Brighton, but with Stephen appearing on stage in Bolton and Anna in London, they are long overdue some time off with one another.

Stephen said: "I am just coming off six months of back to back theatre appearance. I have appeared at Scarborough, Liverpool and then have been on tour. Each time, including this, I have finished a run on Saturday night, and reported for work at the next theatre the following Monday morning.

"After Private Lives has finished I expect I will be exhausted and plan to have a month off and spend some time with my new wife."

But first, Bolton theatre goers can catch Stephen in Private Lives from March 6 to April 5. He said: "I think Noel Coward is fantastic. To me he is the British answer to Chekhov in that he not only portrays human dynamic but a sense of time -- a world just about to change.

"But he also uses language wonderfully well. It is great to speak his words and in this play there are so many famous lines.

"For me, Elyot Chase is one of the most dramatic characters of 20th Century drama. It is a role every actor wants to play."

Stephen is keen to put his own individual stamp on the character, and he appears opposite Susie Trayling who will be playing Amanda, Elyot's ex-wife.

The characters happen to be honeymooning in not only the same resort and hotel, but in adjoining rooms in the South of France. One different touch being put on this production is that Amanda will be played as an American.

Stephen said: "I think it can be too alienating to have to posh English people featuring. This way should make things more interesting."

Tickets for the play are available on 520661.