Hayley Soraya Tamaddon shot to fame thanks to playing notable ITV soap characters Del Dingle, on Emmerdale, and Andrea Beckett, with Coronation Street. Her theatre roles have included Frenchie in Grease, Diana Morales in A Chorus Line, the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show plus appearances in Boogie Nights, Mamma Mia! and Fame. Currently, she's touring in the headline Chicago role of Roxie Hart alongside Celebrity Big Brother star John Partridge as Billy Flynn, which tours to Newcastle in August and Sunderland in late November.

She spoke to Viv Hardwick

How did your chance to play Roxie Hart come along and is it the dream role that you hoped it would be?

I've been wanting to play the role for years and the timing was never right. It truly is a dream role. The producer of the show, David Ian, met me at the press night of another show and he said ‘How would you like to play Roxie Hart?’ I thought he was joking at first but after a meeting with the director and a sing through of the songs they offered me the role. I couldn't believe it.

What are the highs and lows of playing Roxie on tour?

Well touring alone is hard. It can get lonely and the travelling takes it out of you. I'm lucky that I have the most supportive boyfriend who comes with me a lot of the time and the cast are like a huge family. We are very close, and that's not always the case on touring productions. Playing Roxie is a dream, but it's also the hardest role I’ve played. It's demanding both on the body and vocally, but I love it. It's so worth it.

Did you do any research into the true-life events of Maurine Dallas Watkins original characters or look somewhere else as inspiration to play Roxie?

Yes I did. I watched everything I could find to do with Chicago. My favourite was a black and white film called Roxie Hart. It portrayed Roxie in a very comical way. Very slapstick, so I've tried to incorporate a bit of that in the way I play it.

You’ve toured regularly to the North-East. How does is compare in terms of audience, or will Blackpool always be best?

Haha! Well Blackpool is where I grew up. It will always be home to me, but I did live in Newcastle for a few years. I've done so many shows there and pantos. I love the North East and the people are so friendly.

In the past (during the tour to Newcastle of Spamalot) you mentioned that singing could be stressful. It looks like you’ve found the cure?

HAHAHA nope!! I still find it stressful. I don't find singing easy. Acting yes, but I always get so nervous when I sing.

Can I put you on the spot about soaps. Is it Emmerdale or Coronation Street that would win if you were invited back?!

Oooh! I loved being in both shows! I was lucky enough to be a Dingle and the public seem to remember me for that the most. Ten years down the line and people still say, “Oh you're that dingle from Emmerdale.” Corrie has a very special place in my heart. Corrie felt like home. The people, the place. I loved it there. I even moved to Manchester full time.

And, of course, would you consider taking up an EastEnders offer and be the best-known actress to appear in all three?

Never say never! I'd love that! I've always wanted to play a cockney market stall owner. I reckon I could be Kat Slater’s long lost sister.

You’ve mentioned about not fancying I’m A Celebrity, but would you go for a touch of Strictly?

Strictly?! In a heartbeat! The jungle? I would be TV gold for that show as I am absolutely terrified of insects. The small ones are the worst. But I don't mind snakes. Weird eh?

This must feel like one of the best times to appear in musicals, but is it frustrating waiting to see if your favourite shows are going to be revived?

Not really. I take each day as it comes and don't sit around hoping and praying something will happen. I'm lucky to be working.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

To keep my ears open and my mouth shut!!!!

Chicago tours to Newcastle Theatre Royal, Monday, August 1 to Saturday, August 13. Box Office: theatreroyal.co.uk and 08448-112121.

The next North-East date is: Sunderland Empire, Monday, November 28 to Saturday, December 3. Box Office: ATGtickets.com/Sunderland or 0844-871-3022

n Jessie Wallace... the former EastEnders star, will be joining the cast of Chicago at Newcastle for her first musical theatre UK tour as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. Wallace will only be appearing in performances at Newcastle during week two of the show's run which begins from Monday, August 8 to Saturday, August 13.

Wallace is making a swift return to the venue having starred alongside fellow EastEnders star Shane Richie in A Perfect Murder earlier this year.

Chicago is based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s; nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.