ARE you ready to do the time warp again?

Since its first appearance in the West End in June 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has been bringing its schlock-horror and fishnets to theatres for more than 40 years.

And now Richard O’Brien’s tribute to sci-fi, B-movies, 50s rock and roll and transvestitism is returning to Manchester.

The cult favourite will be at the Opera House from January 5 to 16 with a new production created by director Christopher Luscombe.

X Factor finalist Diana Vickers and Emmerdale's Ben Freeman are set to star as Janet and Brad, the couple who do not know what they are in for when their car breaks down outside Dr Frank’n’Furter's house.

"Brad and Janet represent normality and they take you along on this journey," said Diana.

"I love playing Janet. She comes in as this virginal girl next door who want her life to be like a postcard.

"She believes that there’s this vixen in her and I have so much fun with that. She’s a great character."

Diana spoke to Weekend during a break from rehearsals. In the run up to Christmas, she and the team have been practicing their scenes six days a week.

The 24-year-old also told fans not to worry about the changes to the story.

She added: "The script is like a bible to a lot of the fans so I think you have to not go too far from that.

"There are a few little things we’re changing and having fun with. It’s good to mix it up but we’re sticking to the original, great script and the vibe.

"People still get so excited by it and I can’t wait to see their reactions. I’m quite nervous as there is a lot of expectation but at the same time I’m just as excited as the fans.

"It's different to anything I’ve done before and it’s a great thing to be part of. It’s magical and I’m so glad that I’m doing it."

Diana, who grew up in Lancashire, first watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which starred former Lymm High School student Tim Curry, when she was 14.

She said: "I remember thinking this is so bizarre. But I was aware of the music long before the film. You couldn't escape it."

So why does Diana think the show has passed the test of time?

"We were talking about this the other day," she added.

"It’s like nothing else. I think people love it because of how off the wall it is.

"It is so bizarre but has a powerful message about being who you are and not being afraid to be different.

"I think that appeals to a lot of people and it’s always been a show you come to and lose all inhibition and be silly and crazy and have fun. It’s such a rush to perform it."

Diana rose to fame as a semi-finalist on The X Factor in 2008. After signing a deal with RCA Records she then notched up a number one album with Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.

"It's been like a whirlwind since then," said Diana, who has wanted to be a popstar since hearing her mum's Celine Dion and M People records, aged six.

"When it was happening it was unbelievable really and it’s been hard to take in sometimes.

"You don’t have time to think because you’re always on to the next thing. It has been a dream come true but I have worked for it and there have been highs and lows as that’s the nature of the industry."

Diana is now concentrating on acting having appeared in Sky's comedy Give Out Girls and the West End production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

She said: "I think having a variety of things is what keeps me going. I’m concentrating on acting now. I love doing TV and think theatre is magical.

I’d love to be in Tim Burton or a Wes Anderson film. I think what they do is amazing. I’d also love to be Roxie Hart in Chicago."

- The Rocky Horror Show is at Manchester Opera House from January 5 to 16. Visit atgtickets.com/manchester or call 0844 871 3018