SOAP performers must dread it when the script calls for them to get into a taxi - it's one of the favourite ways for writers to spirit characters off into the night.

Many a household name has symbolically looked back as the street disappears behind them, grinning an evil grin, laughing a hollow laugh or dabbing a tearful eye as the mood dictates.

For Troy Titus-Adams, who played barmaid Nina Harris in EastEnders, her sudden departure to "care for her sick father" was the only disappointment about her most famous of roles.

Nina, the former prostitute barmaid with the model looks, had some exciting times when she came to Albert Square, which included a fling with the dreaded Grant Mitchell and a time of high drama when he left in some memorable episodes.

However, new producers and a new direction for the soap called for Nina's rather hurried departure and a bit of a damp squib ending for Troy's rollercoaster 18 months as a household name.

She has no regrets, though, about either taking on the role or leaving when she did.

Troy began her career as a dancer after studying the performing arts and toured Europe and South America before taking on singing, dancing, acting and presenting projects in the theatre, TV and film at home and in the US.

When she got the EastEnders job, she flew home to London and started on set the next day which meant she had no time for nerves - but it came as a bit of a shock when, the very next day after her first appearance, she was recognised on the train on her way to work.

"They told me 'once you're on the screen, that's it'," she said. "I couldn't believe it.

"It was hard work but it was so much fun. Everyone was very good and I know everyone says it's like being part of a big family and there are ups and downs but they just don't have time to fall out with each other."

Although Nina wasn't killed off and the chance of a return isn't impossible, Troy is happy moving on to other things.

"I'm content doing lots of different projects, as long as I'm working. It's nice to be famous and be on the all the magazine covers and all the rest of it but it's not the be-all and end-all.

"If it never happens again, I've been there and done that one!"

She said people tell her they liked Nina and many people certainly remember the striking name Troy Titus-Adams thanks to her father's interest in Greek mythology. Titus is her father's name and Adams in her mother's - "I thought Troy Titus sounded like a disease so I put them together!" she said.

Troy started as she meant to go on after leaving EastEnders - in to another soap, Channel 5's Family Affairs and she's been busy since.

She was talking to me from Edinburgh where she was appearing in a Fringe Festival play, after which, she'll be coming to Cheltenham.

She didn't want to get typecast in EastEnder-type roles but ironically, now she's playing another former prostitute, Mary Magdalene."It's quite funny playing prostitutes ancient and modern," she said. "I tell people that I prefer to play colourful characters!"

The show, Strange Kind of Hero, is a musical version of Saul of Tarsus's journey from persecutor and murderer to charismatic Christian leader Paul. Billed as "bursting with tremendous tunes, exciting action and stunning songs", it takes place in a big top and is a promenade production which will see the action moving around the audience.

Troy's no stranger to musical theatre - she has been in Starlight Express, among other shows - and she's looking forward to getting back to her singing and dancing roots.

"It's an interesting part for me to play," she said. "The music's fantastic and I get to sing one sad, lovely song in particular."

The show's being staged on Cheltenham Racecourse in association with the Everyman Theatre and the Christian Greenbelt Festival and is then touring.

It's not a show aimed at just Christians, though. "It's just a great story," Troy said. "There's so much rubbish going on in this country with prejudice of different kinds and this is a story which is relevant in today's world. It's not trying to convert anybody, it's just a story about a man who tried to make a difference - and that's why I wanted to play it."

Strange Kind of Hero runs from August 24, to September 2. Ticket details on 01242 572573 / www.everymantheatre.org.uk.