Former Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel to play Brian Epstein

Ex corrie actor Andrew Lancel - who played murdered knicker factory boss and rapist Frank Foster - is to play Beatles manager Brian Epstein in a new play.

Epstein managed the Beatles from their early days until his untimely death in 1967, aged just 32. The play, Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles will run at the newly refurbished Epstein Theatre (yes, named after him) from November 15th to December the 1st to mark the 50th anniversary of the group's formation.

Lancel says this: "As a Beatles fan, it's a daunting but hugely exciting challenge to be playing Brian Epstein, and I was very honoured to be asked. This is the first play I've accepted in 10 years which says a lot - it's a powerful and moving piece, but also an entertaining insight into one of our own and what makes him tick."

Rumours that the character of Epstein will be portrayed as the controlling boss of back-street Manchester underwear factory were unconfirmed as we went to press.