MKWeb meets panto stars

Dearman, Ben Adams and Bobby Davro. MKWeb were lucky enough to meet the gorgeous Ben Adams to find out just how charming he really is...

Ben, is this your panto debut? How do you think you’ll cope with the gruelling schedule?
Yea, I’ve never done one before. I’m sure I’m going to cope fine. I’ve got all the other people in the cast who have done this before so I’ll be able to follow them and see how it’s done.

What attracted you to the role of Prince Charming?
Well he’s obviously incredibly charming. (Smiles) I wasn’t sure what the role was to begin with to be honest, but as soon as I knew it was in Milton Keynes (near to where I live) and in such a nice theatre with so much great stuff to do, it seemed like a great thing to do for Christmas.

It’s a far cry from your A1 lifestyle/solo career – do you think you’ll cope with the change and the challenge?
I think so. A1 have actually just signed a new contract, so as well as panto we’re trying to put an album together, we’ve got concerts to do, so it’s a bit of a juggling act…but luckily the schedules haven’t clashed yet.

What do you think will be more nerve-wracking: panto or the Big Brother House?
(Laughs) BB was the most boring thing I’ve done in my life, so I’m hoping this will be more fun at least!
You came 5th in Big Brother – were you disappointed you didn’t go further? Would you ever go back in?
After a week I was like ‘get me out of here’. There were some great people in there who I’ve kept in contact with but as for being stuck in some dormitory with some, well, interesting characters. I spent most of my time trying to ignore people. I didn’t want to talk. I was hoping to leave earlier but it wasn’t to be. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t want to say anything in case it was misconstrued.

Did you not feel like you could be yourself?
I was one of the youngest in there by a lot – they were talking about stuff I didn’t know about because I wasn’t even born! The girls were talking about hairdryers, straightners and make-up, there was no-one to have fun with.

Is this your first time in Milton Keynes?
No, A1 have done a few things here before. It’s been good to come back though and do the shops properly – the shops here are fantastic! I went to Sno!zone too, which was really cold. I only stayed about an hour. I’m not an avid skier, but I do normally like to be able to see the mountains and stop for a drink half way down, but it was good fun!

Will you be staying here during panto? Or going back home?
Bit of both really – I’ll be going back and forth. But with 80 shows, I’ll probably need to stay here, so if anyone has a room?

(I'm sure there'll be plenty of offers!)Will anyone be coming to see you?
I’m sure my friends and family will come along and see me. It’s so close to everyone.

How do you find being away from family at Christmas?
I’ve been away my whole life. I’ve lived on my own since I was 16. I haven’t much time in the country since then. It’s not like this is Japan – it’s near enough.

It’s currently X Factor season – is it correct you write for Alexandra Burke, last years’ winner?
Yea, me and Alex have been great friends for ages. We’ve worked together, hung out together. I’m really glad she’s doing so well.

Have you been watching X Factor? Have you spotted anyone you’d like to work with?
I love X Factor. I’ve been crying with laughter…and there’s some really good acts. I really like the girl from Essex.

Stacey?
Yea, she’s really funny, such a character. And then when she sings she’s got an amazing voice.

So, what’s next for you after panto has finished? A1 stuff?
Yea we’ve got a tour to do – I think 12 sold out dates already. I think we’re starting in Scandinavia …and then we’ll be promoting the album, and getting that up and going. We didn’t mean to get back together but we went on a TV show and that went so well…

Is it easy getting back into it after this long?
Yea, it’s like riding a bike. After about ten minutes of rehearsing it was like old times, but I think you appreciate it more second time round.

Interview taken from MKWeb

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