BRADFORD-BORN Gareth Gates is back in his home city this week to lead a star cast in ‘Footloose: The Musical’ at The Alhambra.

He plays Willard in the story, based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, alongside Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore and Luke Baker as the main character, Ren McCormack.

The show, which runs until Saturday, tells the story of city boy Ren, who moves from Chicago to Beaumont in West Virginia, a rural backwater where dancing has been banned.

Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town up on its feet, with classic songs such as ‘Holding Out for a Hero’, ‘Let’s Hear it for the Boy’, and the explosive title track.

Earlier this month, Gareth said: “We’re going to absolutely blow the roof off the Alhambra, it’s always such a treat performing in my hometown.”

Maureen added: “It’s just a fantastic fun show. By the end people are always up standing and dancing.”

Luke, originally from Wakefield, said: “There’s a real Yorkshire contingent in the cast. I’ve been looking forward to this week.”