FORMER Coronation Street star Katy Cavanagh is returning to where it all began for her, as she stars in the world premiere of Two 2.

The actress is back in Bolton for the Jim Cartwright sequel, set in a northern boozer, which will make its debut at the Octagon Theatre in February, following on from a production of Two.

Katy, who began treading the boards in the town as a youngster, is starring in both plays with Octagon regular Colin Connor as the landlord and landlady of the pub, bringing 14 characters to life between them.

Two debuted at the Octagon in 1989 and follows the lives of a landlord and lady, introducing the many characters who pass through their pub, from early doors to last orders, over the course of one whirlwind evening.

Two 2 seemingly begins at the end of the road for a once-bustling pub — but despite all attempts at quiz nights, karaoke, and pub grub, it could soon be last orders for the struggling landlord and lady themselves.

Katy said: “It’s every actor’s dream to play so many characters in one go. I will play seven parts in Two, and another seven in Two 2, so there are a lot of lines to learn, and we will be performing the first while rehearsing for the second.

“I’ve always been a massive fan of the Octagon. I saw my first Shakespeare and Ibsen plays there. It is a very special place for me — I used to be in the youth theatre. But it's been a while so I’m probably going to get a little freaked out when I go on stage.

“The set is fantastic and it has been great to work with David Thacker for the first time. Colin (Connor) is also fabulous — everyone loves him. I can’t wait to begin.”

Former Canon Slade pupil Katy, aged 42, began acting as a youngster, following in the footsteps of her drama teacher mother, and has been a regular on TV for nearly 20 years. She became a household name in 2008 as Julie Carp in Coronation Street, before leaving in February this year to pursue other interests.

David Thacker is returning to the Octagon Theatre to direct both productions.

He said: “Katy Cavanagh is an actor that I've long admired and I have been eager for the opportunity to work with her. She's taken the brave step of leaving Coronation Street to enable herself to work in theatre which is her first love.

“I know that Colin and Katie will form a dynamic and explosive partnership on stage and make the audience weep with laughter and sorrow, as Jim Cartwright's remarkable plays demand.”

Two will run from January 21 to February 6, followed by the world premiere of its sequel, Two 2, from February 10 to 27.