HIT musical 9 to 5 is heading back to where it all began.

And no-one is happier to be involved in the show than Ben Richards, who plays sexist, egotistical boss Franklin Hart.

Following its hit run in October 2012 which launched the UK tour – 9 to 5: The Musical, with music by Dolly Parton – is returning to the Opera House, Manchester, next week.

In 2012, the Footballers' Wives, The Bill and Holby City actor was given the shock diagnosis of having bowel cancer after having ignored his symptoms for six months.

He underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and now the 41-year-old said he feels healthy and happy to hit the stage every evening.

He said: “I’m feeling really well. I’m six months clear. I’ve been going to the gym.
“I’m still doing the various fundraising events and stuff and getting involved with bowel cancer charities.”

9 to 5: The Musical, based on the hit 1980 film, centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their lying, hypocritical, bigot of a boss.

Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, the show is about teaming up and taking care of business in feisty, fun and fabulous fashion.

Ben said: “It’ll be great to come back to where it started.

“The tour came at the perfect time for me, going round the country, it’s been fantastic.

“It’s been amazing, to have a show that gets standing ovations every night is just a dream.

“The audience response has been fantastic. I knew the show was a great show, that’s why I wanted to do it.
“They’re brilliant songs, primarily from a fantastic song-writer that Dolly Parton is but the story is one we can all relate to.

“Especially women, being downtrodden, in a work environment with a glass ceiling but it’s wrapped up in a great storyline with a great feeling of farce about it.

“Dolly Parton has always been involved, she sends her love.

“She’s very involved with how the creative process happens, from America.”

As a youngster, Ben had dance classes after school and went on to gain roles in London's West End.
His big TV break came in 2004 when he landed the part of Bruno Milligan in ITV's racey series Footballers' Wives.

Speaking of the show’s raunchy scenes, he said: “They were pretty embarrassing. They’re not as sexy when you’re in there with various crew members.

“Ben Price (Conrad Gates in the show who now plays Nick Tilsley in Coronation Street) had it worst, he had to deal with all sorts.

“It was a fantastic show. We all got on so well. It was such a big, fun fiesta of a TV show to do.”
Also reprising their 9 to 5 roles are Natalie Casey as Judy Bernly, Jackie Clune as Violet Newstead, Amy Lennox as Doralee Rhodes and Anita Louise Combe as Ros.

9 to 5: The Musical is at the Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, from Tuesday (August 20) to Saturday, August 24.