Hayley gets a thoroughly modern makeover as musical heroine Millie

The ex-Coronation Street and Emmerdale actress is playing the lead role Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie on a UK tour - although there’s no plans for it to come to her home town, as yet.

The show is back out on tour after a successful run last year, starring former Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton.

The Tony Award-winning musical, based on the 1967 film starring Julie Andrews, is set in the midst of 1920s New York.

It tells the tale of a Kansas girl determined to make it in the Big Apple and to marry for money instead of love; a thoroughly modern idea at the time.

Hayley, who grew up in Bispham, said: "I'm loving playing the role of Millie, even though it's the hardest role I’ve ever played as I never leave the stage - but the cast are amazing and we are having so much fun.

"It's a real feel good show with a lot of slapstick style comedy for all the family."

Hayley, 40, is best known for her roles in Emmerdale, Coronation Street.

Her theatre credits include Roxie Hart in Chicago, The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, A Chorus Line (Sheffield Theatres) and Mamma Mia (West End).

She took the title when she appeared on Dancing On Ice's fifth series with fellow resort celebrity, professional skater Dan Whiston, returning for the 2014 All Stars series.

Thoroughly Modern Millie won six Tony Awards and is based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film.

The show has direction and choreography by Racky Plews, with musical direction from Rob Wicks.