BRADFORD-born Gareth Gates returns to the city this month to star in the hit show Footloose: The Musical.

The stage show, based on the popular 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, is returning to the Alhambra theatre from June 28 to July 2.

Footloose: The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned.

All hell breaks out as Ren breaks loose and he soon has the whole town up on its feet.

The show features classic 80s hits including Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the title track.

Footloose: The Musical promises to take the world by storm once again in a new production bursting with youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music.

Gareth takes on the role of Ren’s best friend Willard.

He said: “I have been so lucky to perform in some of the greatest musicals over the years, from Joseph to Les Misérables and Legally Blonde, and I am so excited that Footloose will be my next.

“We’re going to absolutely blow the roof off the Alhambra Theatre in June; it’s always such a treat performing in my hometown.”

The cast also features Maureen Nolan, one of the singing Nolan Sisters and a veteran of musicals like Blood Brothers, as Vi Moore, and Luke Baker as Ren McCormack.

Footloose: The Musical first opened on Broadway in 1998 where it ran for 709 performances, with a London production following in 2006, opening at the Novello Theatre following a UK tour.

Gareth Gates rose to fame through the inaugural series of Pop Idol in 2001, going on to sell over 5 million records worldwide and have hits across the globe.

His version of Unchained Melody sold over a million copies in the UK and is the third best-selling single of the Noughties. Gareth is also the youngest ever-male solo artist to debut at number 1.

Visit bradford-theatres or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.