He has just left Albert Square for pastures new – and this month David Essex (pictured) will be turning up at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre.

The singer/actor has this year been playing Eddie Moon in EastEnders, but will be returning to his roots in All The Fun Of The Fair, a musical loosely based on his time as a youth spent working in fairgrounds.

The show features several Essex hits, including A Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star.

Director Nikolai Foster said: “I first fell in love with live theatre at the Alhambra. Cast and crew all agree that it’s one of the best venues on the touring circuit. It's a brilliantly-run theatre and Yorkshire audiences are the best.”

As you might expect, the show is set in a travelling funfair, and is described as “a musical merry-go-round of love, loss, laughter and loyalty”.

David plays funfair owner Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of rebellious teenage son Jack. Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gipsy fortune teller, Rosa, who is in love with Levi.

All The Fun Of The Fair runs at the Alhambra from October 25 to 29. For tickets, ring (01274) 432000.