ACCLAIMED actor Christopher Eccleston, who is set to play Jesus returning to earth as a Manchester City supporter in a controversial new drama has received support from an unlikely source -- the vicar of Bolton.

The Rev Michael Williams said he was looking forward to seeing the two-part ITV1 programme, The Second Coming, and believes it will spark a healthy debate.

The character announces he is the Son of God and sets about convincing a disbelieving world by performing a miracle -- turning night into day at Manchester City's Maine Road round.

Mr Williams said: "It will be provocative but there's nothing wrong with that as long as it's not blasphemous." The programme will be broadcast early next year.