EastEnders heart-throb John Partridge has never shirked a tough script on screen but cannot hide his excitement at playing the Prince in Cinderella. Chris Price caught up with him.

Awkward smiles at screaming girls and lengthy queues for autographs have become the norm for EastEnders actor John Partridge.

The openly gay performer has got used to taking in his stride cries of “you’re so fit” from adoring female fans, such as the ones which met him at the launch event for the Marlowe Theatre’s pantomime Cinderella.

Every appearance since has drawn the same kind of reaction, a stark contrast to the experience of his character on Albert Square, Christian Clarke.

Christian has been rejected by a lover in denial, beaten up by homophobes and had to deal with accusations of inappropriately touching a schoolboy who had a crush on him. Yet the reaction he gets from people like those who have shown their support in Canterbury is why John has no problem with taking on such challenging scripts.

“I have had controversial storylines,” said John, 40. “I play a gay character and I am gay in real life but in my real life I have never experienced anything like that.

“As far as my character is concerned I have only ever had positive feedback. I don’t know if that is because people are scared that if they are horrible I would just lamp 'em one or if it’s because people’s perception of homosexuality has changed. Who cares? I’m gay. Get over it. No one cares anymore.

“There are far more important things to worry about in the world than my sexuality.”

When John dons his gold brocade suit as Prince Charming, he will feel as though he has come home. Before accepting his role in EastEnder he was a star of the stage in West End shows like Cats.

A trained ballet dancer and singer, John has kept his musical theatre talents under wraps for too long. His starring role in Cinderella – his first ever pantomime – will change all that.

“I’m really excited. I’ve not done a stage show since 2007,” said John.

“It’s great that people know me as Christian from EastEnders because it’s a character I am really proud of but I’m really excited to be getting back on stage and flexing my musical theatre muscles as opposed to my regular TV ones.”

With EastEnders’ punishing schedule, testing those theatrical tendons had been impossible for John until the Marlowe got in touch.

Living in Greenwich, he had always liked Kent – John visits Broadstairs, Deal and Greatstone when he wants to hit the beach – and Canterbury tailored perfectly to his needs.

“It’s near to where I live and not too far a commute. My filming schedule at this time of year is very hectic. Christmas storylines are always very full on and dramatic at EastEnders. It was important to do a pantomime that fitted in with that and fortunately at Canterbury the slipper fits.”

Another thing that seemed to fit pretty well in the opinion of the ladies was that Prince Charming outfit. So how does he keep in shape? A large throaty laugh and his warm smile follows.

“No carbs after six and moisturise morning, noon and night. What more can I say?”

John Partridge and Stephen Mulhern star in Cinderella at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from Friday, December 2, until Sunday, January 22. Tickets from £10 to £25.50, concessions £3 off. Box office 01227 787787.