SOAP star Stephen Beckett was keeping tight-lipped about his off-screen romance to Emmerdale actress Anna Brecon when he made a whirlwind visit to Bolton on Saturday.

The Coronation Street star, who plays heart-throb Dr Matt Ramsden, refused to reveal future plans to wed Anna, but told the BEN: "You'll be the first to know."

Stephen, at the centre of a love triangle with the character Maxine Peacock in the popular television soap, was in town to release 500 balloons promoting The Octagon's latest Christmas production, The Snow Queen, which starts on Thursday.

Although he will not be appearing in the lavish production, he pledged to offer his support.

Stephen said: "The Octagon is very close to my heart. It is where I met Anna when we played The Blue Room earlier this year. It is very special to us."

The actor was mobbed by ardent autograph hunters as he made his brief appearance on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Bolton.

After releasing the balloons, he stopped to chat when more than 50 fans who flocked to catch a glimpse of the 6ft TV personality.

Stephen, who lives in Manchester with the artistic director of the Octagon, Mark Babych, said that he had just signed another contract to stay with Coronation Street for another year.

He said: "I'm really enjoying it -- the storyline is really hotting up. We're shooting the Christmas scenes at the moment and they are really exciting.

"There are some very dodgy things about to happen. But I can't reveal any more than that."

The actor was due to release the balloons with fiancee Anna, but a train delay meant Stephen was forced into a solo production.

Stephen revealed that he hoped to appear in future productions at the award-winning Octagon theatre. His fiancee will be appearing in the theatre's production of Miss Julie next year.

Anyone finding one of the red balloons is entitled to a free family ticket to the Octagon's Christmas production of The Snow Queen. Contact the Octagon for details on 520661.