FINDING real life inspiration to play the media-harassed celebrity character Charlie Conrad in a new play was no struggle for actor Stephen Beckett.

For Beckett, most famous for playing Dr Matt Ramsden in ITV television soap Coronation Street and PC Jarvis in The Bill, is no stranger to the dizzy world of fame that can see you become prime pickings for the hungry Paparazzi.

It's the experience of watching his personal life splashed on the front pages of the tabloids Beckett has used to fuel the character of Charlie in the new comedy Drowning on Dry Land, coming to Malvern Theatres next week.

"Starring in something as high-profile as Corrie or The Bill throws you into this strange bubble where you are instantaneously in the intense media spotlight," said Beckett.

"Your life becomes public property, which puts a lot of pressure on you.

"Sure, you get paid a lot of money, you get to go to all these showbiz parties where you're offered lots of free champagne, but there's a lot of cons to it too and you've got to hold on to who you are, which can be quite difficult.

"I've seen too many people affected by fame and the media glare.

"When you first get offered something like Corrie you jump at the chance but you don't really know what you're getting yourself in to.

"I feel like I've got my life back now and I'd have to think long and hard whether I wanted to do anything like it again."

Instead, Beckett is enjoying the world of the theatre, and isn't quite sure whether to be flattered or insulted about his latest role.

For the play has been penned by possibly one of the greatest writers of the 20th and 21st Century, Alan Ayckbourn, and the character Charlie was written specifically with Beckett in mind.

"Charlie is an A-list celebrity who is as famous as someone like David Beckham but he's famous for failing," said Beckett.

"He was a middle distance runner representing his country but a bit like Eddie the Eagle Edwards back in the 80s he failed miserably, but that's what endeared him to the public.

"He then went on to cock up everything, losing all the quiz shows he goes on.

"He's very charming and sweet, but very nave and the play starts where his wife is very upset with him because he's running around the country doing supermarket openings instead of being with his family.

"His life is falling apart then a television journalist gets on the case to try and find a chink in his armour."

With Charlie being compared to Big Brother housemate Jade Goody, who's famous for her poor grasp of general knowledge and no other apparent good reason, Beckett said he hoped Ayckbourn penning the character with him in mind had no reflection on the playwright's view of him.

"I said to Alan: 'Which bit of this gullible, stupid character exactly reminds you of me?'" laughed Beckett.

"He said there's an instinct of Charlie that's like me, but I think he was being politically sweet to me!"

And Ayckbourn must be impressed with Beckett's acting skills, for this is the fourth of his plays in which he is appearing, and a fifth is planned for the autumn.

"It's a huge privilege to work with someone as great as Ayckbourn and it has definitely been the highlight of my career to date," said Beckett, whose appearance at Malvern Theatres will be his debut performance in Worcestershire.

"I'm honestly really looking forward to it and have heard it's a beautiful part of the country," he said.

The cast also features Alexandra Mathie (who visited Malvern Theatres last year in Season's Greetings), Stuart Fox, Melanie Gutteridge, Paul Kemp, Adrian McLoughlin and Sarah Moyle.

Drowning on Dry Land runs at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday, February 22, until Saturday, February 26, and tickets can be booked by calling 01684 892277.