Corrie actor Simon Gregson - better known to viewers as Steve McDonald - was in the audience at the Wyvern Theatre tonight to support his friend and former co-star Ryan Thomas in his role as Prince Charming.

The soap star, taking a break from filming for his current controversial storyline on the Street, slipped in at the back of the theatre with his wife and children and remained incognito for the first part of the performance.

Halfway through the first act, however, he was unexpectedly pulled onto the stage for an impromptu comedy routine in which he was asked to play Cinderella's body double, complete with blonde wig and oversized bra, to the audience's delight.

After the show, he said: "We just came down to see Ryan, as he's a mate. It was great."