'I've always harboured a wish to play in Hull and it's come true!'

CORONATION STREET ACTOR ON TAKING TO STAGE IN CITY WITH FELLOW SOAP STAR

- By DEBORAH HALL

A CORONATION Street couple of the past are appearing on stage in Hull in a brand new comedy.

Paula Wilcox, who played Elaine Jones (formerly Philippa Metcalfe) in the ITV soap, and Ian Bartholomew, who took the role of her abusive first husband, Geoff Metcalfe, are being reunited for To Have and To Hold, which opened at Hull Truck Theatre last week and is running until May 24. The pair play Florence and Jack who, after 60 years of marriage, have successfully mastered the fine art of bickering.

It is set in the picturesque village of Wetwang, in rural East Yorkshire, the play having been penned by Richard Bean, writer of international smash hit One Man, Two Guvnors, along with The Hypocrite and 71 Coltman Street. It has given the opportunity to Ian to fulfil a long-held wish of playing to a Hull audience - you can find out more in this Q&A session with the two lead actors below.

Paula

You played Elaine Jones in Coronation Street, who also was a mother to Tim who she had in 1972 with her husband Geoff Metcalfe, played by Ian Bartholomew. How has it been working with Ian again after all these years?

It was about four years ago that I first worked with Ian, on Coronation Street. We had about four scenes together, and he was brilliant. He still is! I can't wait for you to see us - together again at last. Where did you start your acting career?