Chelsea Halfpenny has shared her delight at being back in Newcastle with hit musical Waitress, following an anxious week, after her granddad was seriously injured in an alleged hit and run.
The 85-year-old was left in a critical condition following the incident, which happened in the Leam Lane area of Gateshead on Friday February 25.
Police say he was struck by a car on Woodburn, with vehicle then leaving the scene.
Four men, aged 30, 25, 23 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving several days later.
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All have since been released under investigation, while Chelsea's granddad remains in hospital.
In the aftermath of the accident, former Emmerdale actress Chelsea took to social media to issue an appeal for witnesses, with her post shared by other stars including her actor fiance James Baxter and her on screen mum in the ITV soap and fellow Sunday for Sammy regular, Laura Norton.
Since the start of the year, Chelsea has been playing the lead role of Jenna in hit Broadway and West End show Waitress' UK tour.
And this week is the location she's been waiting for as the musical opens at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.
Chelsea, who just liker her auntie Jill Halfpenny, shot to fame In Byker Grove, shared her excitement at being back on home turf in a video posted on social media.
The 30-year-old gave musical fans a taste of what to expect with a spine-tingling rendition of She Used to Mine, at the recent Lottery concert which aired on BBC.
And talking about Waitress' Newcastle run, she said: "I am so, so excited. I know the audiences are going to be amazing.
"Just to perform at the theatre where I've seen so many shows and getting to be up there myself, it just means a lot and I am so, so excited to be home and her performing in this wonderful show."
Waitress will run at the Theatre Royal until Saturday, March 12.
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