HAVING exited the nation's biggest television show, Stephen Billington seems remarkably happy with the prospect of a trip to Malvern and life outside 'the Street' in general.

The former Coronation Street actor was stuck in a traffic jam in Colchester caused by the fuel crisis when we caught up with him, having opened in Strangers on a Train in the Essex town at the beginning of the month.

Adapted from the Patricia Highsmith thriller, the play opens at the Malvern Theatres on October 3 for a five night run.

Mr Billington plays Guy, whose chance meeting with Bruno on a train journey reveals both have dreams of freedom blocked, one by a loveless marriage and one by a controlling father.

Alfred Hitchcock was taken with it and turned it into a film in 1951, although Mr Billington said the film had little in common with the book.

"Hitchcock changed it a hell of a lot," he said, "Whereas the play is very much a faithful adaptation of the book."

That means Mr Billington views the character of Guy as his own, and he is free to build his own role.

"It's a new play and the Guy in the Hitchcock film is a completely different character than the one I'm playing.

"I didn't feel any pressure at all, as far as I'm concerned I am creating a role, it gives me a lot of freedom."

Mr Billington enjoyed a dream start to his acting career.

Shortly after graduating from The Drama Centre in 1994, he was meeting movie star Mel Gibson and discussing a role in the blockbuster Braveheart.

"He's a really sweet guy, he's very quietly spoken, genuine person, really easy to get on with," he said.

He was cast as the lover of the future Edward II in the film, coming to an unpleasant end at the hands of Edward I.

His most high profile role came when he was cast as Greg Kelly in Coronation Street, which exposed him to intense and unwelcome press scrutiny.

He played the villain in the Street, hitting his girlfriend Sally and swindling her money.

"Greg was a violent, alcoholic, really not a very nice person," he said.

"What I like about playing roles like that is you are making some kind of social comment about characters like that."

That has included clips of the scenes being used in a Government anti-domestic violence campaign, which he said was "great".

As well as the intense public and press interest in the Street characters, he said the workload was also heavy - and he will not be returning as Greg.

"You are working a six day week, if you are in a heavy storyline and you are shooting four episodes a week it's eight in the morning to 7.30 at night and then you have to go home and learn your lines for the next day," he said.

n Strangers on a Train runs from October 3-7 with performances at 8pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickers range from £16-£10 (students £6 all seats) from 01684 892277. The tour is supported by a £70,000 grant from Barclays Stage Partners.