THEY say home is where the heart is ­— and that is most certainly the case for Radcliffe actor John Partridge.

John, who won the nation's hearts after appearing in ­— and winning ­— the most recent series of Celebrity Masterchef, says he can't wait to come back up north next month with the long awaited production of Tom Stoppard's brilliantly funny Rough Seas.

The West End star, who became a household name when playing Christian in Eastenders, is leading an all-star cast in Bill Kenwright's new production of the play, which tours the country at the end of this month.

The Lowry is the third stop on the tour.

"It is just the best for me to come back home, I love being in Manchester, it is where my heart is, where I am from, " said John, who has just finished performing in Dick Whittington in the Theatre Royal, Plymouth , "As soon as I get on the M62 my shoulders unlock and it is joy."

And this time it is double the thrill for John to come back home, as he is performing as Turai in the much anticipated Rough Seas, which hasn't been brought to the stage since the mid-80s.

Rehearsals for the play got underway last week, while John was still starring in the Christmas show.

Rough Seas is about two famous but desperate playwrights who are stuck in an ocean liner heading for New York, trying to rehearse for their latest show before reaching land ­— in time for opening night.

But it is not all smooth sailing ­—they are distracted by their "delicate" composer's attempts to end it all, having overheard his lover confess her feelings to the leading man. And throw into that mix an absurdly unorthodox waiter, a mistimed lifeboat drill.

John said: "It is a wonderful cast and this is a play within a play. It has music, song and dance set on an ocean liner in the 1930s which is sailing for Southampton to New York.

"It has something for everyone. Tom Stoppard fans will love it, those who have never Tom Stoppard play will enjoy it and those who don't often go to the theatre. This is a great introduction to theatre."

At the age of 16, John joined the cast of the original UK tour of the Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats. He went on join the West production of the show at the New London Theatre, to star as Rum Tum Tugger. He was asked to play the role on the official film of the show, opposite Elaine Paige and John Mills. As well as a string of West End credits, John has appeared in a number of hit television shows, including the popular soap.

Theatre remains his passion.

He said: "Theatre is instant gratification, it is powerful, you are on stage and the audience are in the palm of your hands, you know if they like it there and then.

"It feels very special to be performing in your home city and I am looking forward to it."

Rough Crossing, is at The Lowry, Salford Quays, Monday, February 18 to Saturday, February 23. Details from 0843 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com