SHANE Richie returns to Southampton for the first time since his panto stint last Christmas to star as Peter James' famous literary detective Roy Grace in Not Dead Enough.

The third thrilling stage adaptation of the multi-million selling author's novels comes to Mayflower Theatre next week, also starring MTV, The Brits and I'm A Celebrity presenter and former Strictly star Laura Whitmore as Cleo Morey.

Shane has played numerous roles on stage and screen and is perhaps best known for his role as Alfie Moon in BBC soap Eastenders. He will next be seen on screen in Kat and Alfie spin off Eastenders.

He said: "I'm thrilled to be asked to play one of the most interesting and innovative characters of modern times in policing. I've never read a Peter James book and not been taken on a journey of menace, excitement and a rollercoaster of a journey with all the thrills and chills!"

On the night Brian Bishop murdered his wife, he was 60 miles away, asleep in bed. At least that's what he claims. But as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace continues to deal with the mysterious disappearance of his own wife, he starts to dig a little deeper into the chilling murder case and it soon becomes clear that love can be a dangerous thing.

Not Dead Enough is the third novel in the award winning Roy Grace series and now becomes the third play in his box office smash hit and critically acclaimed stage franchise.

James has been acclaimed as one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters and his brilliant international bestselling Roy Grace novels have been published in 37 languages and sold over 18 million copies worldwide.

It runs from Tuesday to Saturday.

Call 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk