TROUBLED television celebrity Matthew Kelly has pleaded with theatre goers not to boycott his appearance in the touring production of Of Mice and Men, due to visit The Lowry this spring.

The presenter of ITV's Stars In Their Eyes says his life has "changed irrevocably" since his arrest last month in a child-sex investigation.

But he is determined that his appearance in the John Steinbeck American classic will go ahead as planned.

The touring production will travel the country, coming to The Lowry, in Salford, from April 8 to 12.

Of the tour, he this week told reporters: "I need people to come and see it. I don't want to play to empty houses.

"Whatever happens after this tour, maybe my life will be clearer then. I have no idea where my life will go but it will certainly go in another direction."

Kelly, aged 52, maintains his innocence, but must answer police bail on March 12.