THE smash-hit stage version of iconic film Dirty Dancing returns to the Liverpool Empire next month as part of its current UK and Ireland tour.

The show, in Liverpool from April 7–25, features Gareth Bailey as Johnny Castle and Roseanna Frascona as Baby Houseman.

The phenomenally successful 1987 featured Patrick Swayze and Jennifer lead roles. Grey' line 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner', became one of the most quoted in film history.

Gareth's Dirty Dancing journey began four years ago, playing Robbie in the first UK tour.

The actor, dancer and photographer went on to play Johnny in South Africa as part of the international tour, prior to joining the West End company at the Piccadilly Theatre.

He told the Globe today: "It's a high-energy, exciting show. They have taken probably one of the most iconic 'chickflicks' of all time and staged it.

"It's been a big part of my life for the last three-and-a-half years and is one of the most exciting shows I've ever done. I'm thrilled to have been cast as Johnny."

Produced by Karl Sydow and Joye Entertainment, in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions, and written by Eleanor Bergstein, script writer of the phenomenally successfuL film, it features all the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic film with exciting extra scenes added in.

The first ever UK tour in 2012 took an unprecedented £42,000,000 at theatres across the country and received standing ovations and five-star reviews.

It also smashed box office records in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dublin, Leeds and Stoke-On-Trent.

It features the Academy Award-winning (I've Had) The Time Of My Life, plus many additional songs, making the show a truly extraordinary live experience.

Gareth Bailey was in the show when it last played at the Empire. He said: "The feedback we've had from tours over the years has been fantastic.

"It's one of those opportunities life throws at you which you really can't go. But trying to do what Patrick Swayze did on film takes a lot of training.

"We came to the Liverpool Empire in 2012, had a great time, and can't wait to get back."

Looking to the future, he continued: "I'm contracted in the show until October and then who knows. I do a lot of portrait and wedding photography, so maybe some more work in that line will come along.

"I'm always open to opportunities."

Diane Belding, Liverpool Empire's general manager, said: "We're delighted that Dirty Dancing is returning to the Liverpool Empire in 2015.

"The audience response in 2012 was unparalleled to anything that had come before it and I don’t doubt the response this time round will be just as phenomenal.

"If you didn’t manage to get your tickets during the last tour make sure you book now as you don’t want to miss out when Dirty Dancing takes to the Empire stage in April".

Tickets are from the box office on 0844 871 3017 or www.atgtickets.com/liverpool