NO DANGER of empty seats at Blackpool's Grand Theatre next week.

Not content with offering up one of Britain's best-loved musicals, the theatre also provides a homecoming for the resort's favourite daughter, Linda Nolan.

And, as Linda explained to the Citizen, that means friends and family eager to see her in her now familiar role as Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell's Blood Brothers.

"It's always nice to play your home town. We did the Opera House in 2000 and I've got so many friends and family in the area.

"The Grand is a lovely theatre. I call it a chocolate box theatre, like the Opera House in Belfast. After some of the more modern theatres, it's good to go somewhere more traditional."

And how does Linda explain the enduring appeal of Blood Brothers?

"It's just such a fabulous how. It's been in the West End for about 16 years now. It was written by Willy Russell, who wrote Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita.

"At the moment I'm enjoying it so much. I play Mrs Johnstone, which is just such a wonderful part. The show is so dark and very tragic in places."

It's a departure from much of Linda's previous work - including her enormous success with The Nolans. "I had a great time working with the girls but I have no regrets about deciding to leave. I just wanted to see if I could do something on my own.

"They were very supportive - we left the act not the family."

Linda went on to star as Maggie May on Central Pier for eight years before a two year spell as Rosie O'Grady. It's probably easier to list the TV shows she hasn't appeared in than the ones she has.

But, for now, Linda is back where it all began.

Blood Brothers runs from next Tuesday (November 2) to Saturday, November 13. For ticket details contact the Grand Theatre box office 01253 290190.