Paula Lane thinks she landed a role in a play about ‘Coronation Street’ superfan Martyn Hett "for a reason".
The former ‘Corrie’ actress will appear in ‘#BeMoreMartyn: The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo’, which will celebrate the life of one of the show’s biggest supporters who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing last year, and she believes he would’ve been "made up" about the project.
Paula – who played Kylie Platt in the ITV soap – said: "He was such a big fan that he had a tattoo of Deirdre Barlow on his calf. I know he will have watched me as Kylie Platt on TV all the time.
"I also have a feeling our paths may have crossed at some point.
"Martyn would be totally made-up to know about this play and I feel it’s been sent my way for a reason.
"I’m sure some of my ‘Corrie’ colleagues will be coming to see me, plus I’m really looking forward to taking the play to Brighton and London."
Paula will portray Martyn’s best friend Rachel in the production, and she revealed the pair had some "crazy times" together.
She said: "They were actually an item when they were very young – before Martyn came out. After that, they had the most beautiful relationship: hanging out together, having sleepovers and making daft videos as well as partying.
"Rachel later settled down, got married and had kids, so the friendship shifted a bit, but they still had crazy times together."
The play is based on interviews with eight of Martyn’s closest friends and will run at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from May 21-26, over the anniversary of the terror attack on May 22, during which 23 people were killed when a bomb was detonated at an Ariana Grande concert at the Arena last year.
The play will then head to Brighton’s The Warren from May 29 to June 1, and then London’s Southwark Playhouse on June 3.
As well as starring in the project, Paula has teased fans she will be taking on something "completely different" later this year.
She added to Soaplife magazine: "I’m going to be a very busy girl this year and you’ll be seeing me in something completely different. But, sorry, I’m not allowed to say what it is."
Paula Lane: Martyn play role is for a reason
