A SOAP star is set to showcase his “stunning” works of art at a Leigh gallery to celebrate the power of Jazz.

Southend’s Sean Wilson, who played Martin Platt in ITV’s Coronation Street from 1985 to 2005, is headlining the Hypegallery, based in the Broadway, event on Saturday.

According to owner Marcus Murcell, 58, who opened the vibrant and colourful art space in April, he will be meeting fans and talking about his pieces, including a never-before-seen sculpture of singer Nina Simone.

Echo: Star - Sean WilsonStar - Sean Wilson (Image: Marcus Murcell)

The 53-year-old said: “Sean has some really exciting pieces of art that he can’t wait to show everyone, including a sculpture of Nina Simone, which is his pride and joy.

“After his 2008 appearance on Celebrity Masterchef, his career has taken a complete U-turn with him now being an award-winning cheese maker, chef, and TV presenter.

“In 2022, he released his recipe book Cheddar Gorged, which he self-illustrated, and will be speaking to our guests on Saturday about it and, possibly, do some signings.

“Our celebration of his work will give aspiring artists the chance to meet him and to see first-hand his Jazz painting collection in its complete entirety.”

Echo: Location - Hypegallery, in the Broadway, LeighLocation - Hypegallery, in the Broadway, Leigh (Image: Marcus Murcell)

The free event, which starts at 7pm and runs until 10pm, will provide people with wine and non-alcoholic beverages to sip on as they browse the pieces and savour live music, provided by Digby Fairweather and his quartet.

Echo: Inside - HypegalleryInside - Hypegallery (Image: Marcus Murcell)

Hypegallery took over from Costa Coffee, which shut down in October 2022, following the expiration of the lease.

Mr Murcell has always had a passion for the world of art since he was young, and originally had a gallery in Brick Lane, London.

Echo: Owner - Marcus Murcell Owner - Marcus Murcell (Image: Marcus Murcell)

However, with the pandemic, he shut it down and later moved to the Broadway, which is managed by his daughter Britani, and has been selling and displaying pieces.

He added: “Since we opened six-months ago, we’ve had great support from artists, as well as us supporting them by giving the rising stars a platform to display their work.

“Art is truly a wonderful thing that brings people together, and I hope this event will do just that.”