FOR anyone who saw former EastEnders' favourite Mark Homer in pantomine in Blackpool last Christmas, his latest role which sees him return to the Grand Theatre will come as a bit of a surprise.

For the actor who won so many friends with his Buttons is back as a psychotic murderer who gets his kicks from committing the perfect crime in the thriller Rope, which opens on Monday.

"It's great to be returning to Blackpool," said Mark. "But I must remember not to come on stage shouting 'hiya kids' this time round!"

Mark plays Brandon, who with his sidekick Granillo murders a fellow student.

"It's not so much a whodunnit as a we done it," says Mark, who many people will remember for his portrayal of Tony Hills in Britain's most-watched soap.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to the north and to a great theatre. I just hope that the weather's a bit warmer than it was the last time I was there.

"It's a great part for me as Brandon is a really ruthless character who believes he will never be found out."

Rope was filmed by the great Alfred Hitchcock and this current touring production includes Jonathon Morris and Tony Scammell.

"This is a great challenge for me and to be working in the theatre is so different to working on TV. But I trained as a stage actor and I'm really looking forward to it.

"TV certainly has its rewards but I like to have a mixture of things to try."

Rope wil be touring the country playing at six venues over a nine week period.

"This is my first touring production, although I have played at some of the theatres, such as Blackpool before," said Mark.

"The difficult thing will be getting used to the different digs and living out of a suitcase for that length of time. Still, at least in Blackpool I know where I'll be staying because it's where I was over Christmas."

In EastEnders Mark caused quite a stir by first having an affair with Martine McCutcheon's character Tiffany -- and then with her brother as he realised he was gay.

"At first Tony showed his soft side but then his character changed and he got harder, dealing drugs and generally getting involved in some dodgy things. But at least he didn't commit any murders like Brandon.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in EastEnders but wanted to try other sorts of roles."

Rope runs from Monday until Saturday at Blackpool grand Theatre. Tickets from the box office on 01253 290190.