HE’S gone from walking the cobbles of Corrie to treading the boards in Bromley. Jim Palmer talks to James Roache about his starring role in Dickens mash-up The Haunting.

FOR people in many professions, having a high-flying dad can be a drag. Not so for James Roache, whose father is one of telly’s most famous faces - William Roache, aka Ken Barlow.

Ahead of his starring role in The Haunting at The  Churchill Theatre in Bromley next week, James told News Shopper: “It is a real privilege to be walking in the same footsteps.

“I’m so proud of my name and my father, and my brother (Linus) who is doing so well.”

The 26-year-old said it was easier having a family that know the trade.

He said: “It is wonderful having a family that understands and can empathise with the industry.

“I know a lot of other actors whose families don’t do it and it is very alien. It is hard enough anyway, but if your family is not supporting you it is even harder. I am very lucky.”

The Haunting is a chiller based on a number of Dickens’ short stories, written by Hugh Janes, and is set to mark the 200th birthday of the author’s birth with spine-tingling affect.

James plays David Filde, a young book collector employed by a family friend to catalogue an impressive library of antique books in a creepy old house.

James said: “It is going to be fantastic. Everyone is in for a good scare.

“It is really good fun and very atmospheric.”

He added: “It is well written. It is an homage to Dickens.”

Also starring is David Robb, who plays Doctor Clarkson in another ITV favourite, Downton Abbey.

James said: “It has been absolutely fantastic. Working with David is such a privilege, I am so, so lucky. I have been learning so much from him every day.

“He usually just launches into a dialogue – it is great to be reacting to him, he gives a lot. I’m very lucky, I’m working with a fantastic director as well. He is absolutely brilliant.”

Despite a gruelling schedule, the young actor is keen to get out and see Bromley too.

He said: “I look forward to going to Bromley.

“I’m looking forward to having a look about next week and, inbetween matinees, and soaking up the culture.”

The Haunting is on at The Churchill Theatre from Monday, August 20, until Saturday, August 25, at 7.45pm. Matinee performances are on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm, and tickets cost between £15 and £29.50. Call 0844 871 7620 or go to atgtickets.com/Bromley.