SOME artists are fortunate - and talented - enough to make a particular role their own, writes John Anson.

For Lyn Paul that role is Mrs Johnstone in the hit musical Blood Brothers which is playing Blackpool Opera House this week.

Lyn first played the role in 1997 and has taken on the challenge several times since, including a run in the West End in 2012.

All the shows and UK tours have been directed by leading theatrical impresario Bill Kenwright.

"I don't think Bill can let me go," laughed Lyn. "For the current tour he just rang and asked me if I'd do it.

"Bill gave me my first chance to appear in a musical and I would never turn him down.

"But I would never turn Blood Brothers down anyway, it is such a brilliant show to be part of."

Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers tells the moving story of twins separated at birth and features the emotionally-charged hit song Tell Me It's Not True.

"Willy Russell is just so amazing at what he does," said Lyn. "It is so well written and an absolute joy to do.

"It is many people's favourite musical and audiences come back and see it time and time again."

Theatre audiences may well associate Lyn with the role of Mrs Johnstone but the role is just one of many highs from a remarkable career.

As a member of the group the New Seekers, Lyn took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1972, coming second with the song Beg Steal or Borrow. She then was the lead vocalist on the group's number one hit You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me and also on I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing which was used to advertise Coca Cola and sold over 20 million copies around the world.

She left the band to pursue a solo career in 1974.

Since then she has also had major success as an actress appearing in both Emmerdale and Holby City and in other musicals including Footloose and the Boy George musical Taboo.

"I have been very lucky in my career," said Lyn. "Whatever I do, I have to give it my best and it's like anything else in life, you have to work hard at it to be successful."

Given that she has had such a varied career it is interesting to discover that Lyn's favourite is acting.

"I absolutely adore acting," he said, "I'd love to do more of it."

After a week-long run in Blackpool, Blood Brothers will move to High Wycombe where the current tour ends.

But dates for an autumn/winter tour are already being announced.

So will Lyn be going out on the road once again in the show she has made her own?

"Nothing has been discussed yet," she said. "It is far too early for them to look at casting the show.

"But I do think that Blood Brothers is the top show going around - it is an absolute one-off and I have been so very lucky to be involved with it."

Blood Brothers runs at Blackpool Opera House until Saturday, April 9.

For tickets and further information telephone 0844-856-1111.