Andrew Lancel's new Hard Day's job

Andrew Lancel is set to return to the stage, with a leading role in musical Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles.

The former Coronation Street star, who previously played villain Frank Foster in the ITV1 soap, has signed on to play Beatles manager Brian Epstein in the Liverpool production, which will launch in November to coincide with the legendary band's 50th anniversary year, reports Digital Spy.

"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," he said.

"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."

The Man Who Made The Beatles - which runs at the Epstein Theatre from November 15 to December 1 - will follow the life and career of the late manager, who died from an accidental overdose in 1967.

The musical's director and co-creator Jen Heyes said: "I can think of no one better to play Brian than Andrew - a professional Liverpool actor who has become a household name, with a fantastic and varied body of work under his belt.

"We had a responsibility to find the right actor for this role, and I am extremely excited to have Andrew on board. I know he will do Brian justice, and he even has a resemblance to him which is an added bonus."