A NEW stage version of Kay Mellor's Band of Gold - based on her hit TV drama about Bradford prostitutes - will have its premiere this year.

The first series of Band of Gold, filmed in Bradford, was broadcast on ITV in 1995, and gained 15 million viewers each week.

The crime thriller focussed on the friendships of a group of sex workers battling to survive while working in Bradford's red-light district. The cast included Geraldine James, Cathy Tyson, Barbara Dickson and Samantha Morton. Three multi award-winning series of Band of Gold were produced, ending in 1997.

Kay Mellor's Band of Gold stage show follows the success of her show Fat Friends The Musical, which came to Bradford's Alhambra theatre last year.

“I get asked once a day if I’m going to bring Band of Gold back," said the Bafta-winning writer and director. "My answer will now be yes, on stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre! I’m thrilled that it’s going to premiere in my home town.”

* Band of Gold runs from November 28 to December 14. Call 0844 8482700.