LESLIE Grantham takes on the role of Bill in Love and Marriage following the death of Adam Faith.

The Theatre Royal Bath production of Donald Churchill's comedy opens at Malvern's Festival Theatre on Monday and is 'a funny and poignant look at relationships and what really makes couples stay together.'

Best known as Dirty Den in Eastenders, Leslie Grantham has appeared on stage in Whose Life is it Anyway?, Absurd Person Singular and as Captain Hook in Peter Pan.

He stars as Bill, ladies man and golf-playing dentist who lies to his long-suffering wife every day.

He asks his friend Tony, played by Stephen Boxer, to cover for him.

Tony, married to Ruth for 20 years, is having a mid-life crisis and another couple, Gerry and Anne, are involved in the mix too.

Love and Marriage runs until April 19 and tickets cost £12-£20 on 01684 892277 or online at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk