Soap star injured during theatre show when a can of HAIRSPRAY exploded in his face

A former Emmerdale and Home and Away star was rushed from the stage during a theatre show when a can of hairspray exploded in his face.

Richard Grieve – who played farrier Johnny Foster in the Yorkshire soap and Dr Lachlan Fraser down under – was hit in the face during the closing minutes of a matinee performance of drag-act musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The 43-year-old was rushed to hospital after the can burst but in true theatre style the show went on after an only 11-minute delay with his understudy stepping in.

The incident happened at the Theatre Royal Brighton on Sunday but Richard was unhurt and returned to the stage for the following night.

Shona Campbell, 41, from Brighton, said the incident happened as Richard, who also starred as Sam Kratz in Aussie soap Neighbours, had his back to the audience.

She said: “There was a popping noise and what looked like a cloud of gas or glitter came out of the closet into the actor’s face.

“I could see liquid trickling out the closet onto the floor.

“He then exited off the stage with a hand over his face – it wasn’t immediately clear that it wasn’t part of the show.”

She added: “The whole show was fantastic and the issue was dealt with really professionally.”

A spokesman for the show producers said: “As a precaution, Richard left the stage to be checked over and in order for the show to continue as quickly as possible our understudy performed the role for the last two scenes.

“Richard is absolutely fine and sustained no injuries at all.

“He will be performing the role of Bernadette when the show has its next performance.”