BLESS His Beautiful Hide...Sam Kane's Goin' Courtin' in Blackpool Grand Theatre this month as oldest brother Adam in the smash hit musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers.

We talked to Sam, pictured right, about taking the lead in UK Production's aptly chosen seventh musical offering. "It's the biggest challenge of my career so far and it's quite scary actually being top of the bill," he said.

"There is more responsibility than just playing your own part and the rest of the cast look to you for guidance so there is added pressure, but I love it!

"And Adam's such a positive part to play. I mean, no one's ever going to top Howard Keel's Adam in the movie, but strangely enough I have been compared to him before so this will be a real test following in his footsteps.

"But the whole musical is so upbeat, is so much faster and sharper than the film that the whole audience leaves with a smile on their face. It's feelgood and it's fun."

That makes a real change from Sam's last famous role as nasty Gary Adams in Coronation Street who tricked teenage Sarah Louise to his home after meeting in an internet chat room.

"It's amazing how many people think I couldn't be that nasty as I've always played nice parts before. But they forget I was that evil character Jigger in Carousel at Blackpool Grand last time I was here and you can't get nastier than him!"

And what did Sam's wife Linda Lusardi think of his personality change? "She was chuffed to bits!"

And Sam is also chuffed to be back in a town he has long associations with.

"I've done two seasons here and had the time of my life," he said. "I did a stint at The Flagship which I think is a chippy now! And the Mystique show at the Horseshoe showbar with Tom Bright. I shared a dressing room with Tom and it was amazing. He the funniest man I've ever met. So it will be great to be back."

Catch Sam and the rest of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at Blackpool Grand Theatre from November 26-Dec 1 with evening and matinee performances. Call the box office on 290190 for tickets from £9.50 and further details.