EASTENDERS bad boy Nick Cotton is treading the boards in the North-East but not in his usual infamous role.

Actor John Altman is swapping Albert Square and his Nasty Nick screen character for the world of American speakeasies and dance halls.

For he is playing shady lawyer Billy Flynn in the hit musical Chicago at Sunderland's Empire Theatre.

The show, which recreates the United States of the 1920s, was revived in London's West End four years ago, has won several awards and has just completed a sell-out run in the capital's theatre land.

The show, which claims the "cream of the country's dancers" began its run on Monday and continues at the Empire until Saturday, December 15.

Performances start at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. For ticket details and booking, call the box office on 0191-514 2517.