Kay Mellor's final stage play The Syndicate to be directed by daughter as it heads to The Lowry

The final stage play to be written by Fat Friends creator Kay Mellor before her death is to make its world premiere at UK theatres next year - with a four-show run at The Lowry.

The Syndicate, based on the smash hit BBC One drama spanning four series, will tour the UK for 15 weeks from April to July next year. Kicking off in London, the play will be directed by Kay’s daughter Gaynor Faye, who is perhaps most known for playing Judy Mallett in Coronation Street from 1995 until 1999 and Megan Macey in Emmerdale from 2012 until 2019.

The moving comedy drama tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. The win of a lifetime changes their lives, loves and relationships forever.

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The Syndicate is the final play created by legendary writer Kay, who passed away in May 2022 at the age of 71. Alongside Fat Friends, she is also known for creating Band Of Gold and co-creating CITV's Children's Ward.

Before her death, Kay had created hugely successful TV to stage adaptations of both Fat Friends - in musical form - and Band of Gold alongside her production company Rollem and Josh Andrews Productions.

Following performances in London and in Kay’s home city of Leeds, the show will arrive at Salford’s The Lowry theatre from May 17 to 19, 2024. It will then head to the likes of Nottingham, Sheffield, Glasgow and Birmingham, with tickets on sale now.

Gaynor Faye, who appeared in series four of The Syndicate, said: “It is extremely special to be a part of this new theatrical version of The Syndicate and one which my mum was really excited to stage.