WHEN she left behind the role she had played for 12 years on one of the country's most popular hospital dramas, Tina Hobley knew she wanted a challenge.

And she found that challenge in the form of theatre - the thrill of which continues to give her a buzz as she performs in Peter James' Dead Simple.

She is speaking to your Worcester News while in make up for a matinee performance of the show in Edinburgh and ahead of her appearance at Malvern Theatres next week.

In fact, she is enjoying the tour so much she has just signed up to extend her run.

Tina explains the premise behind Dead Simple: "It's a bit of a crime thriller and I have a fabulous part of a woman who has got everything including a dream boyfriend.

"He goes on a stag do that goes terribly wrong then it's a race against time to find him."

With lots of twists and turns the show is guaranteed to have people on the edge of their seats, second guessing the plot outcome and keeping the heart racing.

And talking about racing hearts - it was the adrenaline of performing on stage which acted as a catalyst to leave Holby City behind.

"It's a new challenge. I hadn't done theatre in a long time and I realised I was desperate to get back on stage.

"I love every minute of it and I'm learning something different everyday.

"When doing television for a long time you're still always learning but it is a little stale. With live theatre, I love the adrenalin, the energy.

"There's no other buzz like it, it's wonderful."

Her on stage fiancé is Jamie Lomas - well known for his part as Warren Fox in Hollyoaks.

Jokingly, she said of her handsome co-star: "Oh I can't bear him and he's terrible to look at.

"No, I'm loving it. We didn't know each other at all beforehand but we get on very well.

"It has been great to get to know Gray O'Brien who plays the detective.

"You're on the road for such a long time so it's great we all get along.

"We we have gone karting together in Birmingham and there are lots of meals out.

"Luckily there are a few people who like to organise things so I've been able to rely on them because I'm awful at organising things."

This isn't strictly true because as a busy mum-of-three it was important that she had everything organised for her children while she was on tour as well as having their blessing.

"I have been Skyping homework and things like that and making sure they have all the right things in the fridge.

"I spoke to me family about it before I agreed to take the part and they were all happy for me to do it.

"My girls are very proud of their mum for doing it. I sat my big girl down because she is going through her GCSEs at the moment and asked if she is sure she would be okay with me going on tour.

"She said she thought it was inspiring."

Her time on Holby did have a rather odd side effect - people would assume she had real medical knowledge.

"People would come up to me all the time talking about medical things.

"I'm actually quite squeamish and a bit rubbish about real blood."

For now she is happy on stage and says her dream roles would be Kate in Taming of the Shrew or Catherine in A View from the Bridge "But I'd probably have to play her mother now," she jokes.

"When I left Holby City I said I wanted to do as many different things as possible and for everything to be a big challenge.

"I'm doing it and I'm really proud of that."

Dead Simple runs from Monday, February 9 until Saturday, February 14. For tickets and performance times call 01684 892277 or log on to malvern-tickets.co.uk.