John Partridge has swapped the boos of the crowd outside the Celebrity Big Brother house for rapturous applause in his “dream role” in one of the biggest musicals of all time. And the consummate professional was only able to squeeze in four days of rehearsals.

I went into the Celebrity Big Brother house and stayed there until the bitter end...

I’d never done anything like it before and the whole thing was intense. I think coming out of something like Big Brother and going straight into Chicago was great for me. Coming out of that and being sat around waiting for the phone to ring would be much worse. Fortunately for me I had my life mapped out; I always knew what I was going to be doing after Big Brother.

The musical Chicago is about media manipulation...

So being in Celebrity Big Brother (John reached the final earlier this year) was perfect preparation for me. The show was way ahead of its time within that genre. It is something that I have been able to use.

I filmed my new series of a junior talent show, Taking the Next Step, beforehand and went into Chicago rehearsals for just four days before going on tour...

But I was fine with that because I have been doing this for 30 years; it is what I do; it is in my blood and I love it. Chicago is a dream show and it is a dream role. It’s one of those shows you want to do and one of those boxes you want to tick in your career. The ensemble is so strong too; it is just a wonderful company.

I grew a moustache as I was coming out of the BB house for Chicago...

I wanted to go for that Clark Gable/ Erroll Flynn look. It’s a good look. People seemed surprised I did it so quickly! I was surprised how people noticed how I dressed – my robe got its own Twitter account! Maybe I can get the same for the moustache while I’m touring.

My character in Chicago doesn’t dance much...

Except in Razzle Dazzle, which is a number in the show that I do get to dance in. When we rehearsed it the director watched and then said I should wear a waistcoat. Only two others who have done the role before have done that – Patrick Swayze and Usher. That’s good company to be in.

Since October I have been running on adrenalin...

My personal life hasn’t been without some anxiety. My mum has had six strokes, but I have got a great family and husband. I have nothing to grumble about really; my life is very full. I don’t have a break from work until February 2017.

I take Winnie my dog to work with me...
She sits in my dressing room and waits for my return. When I get back she is there with her wagging tail! She was found tied up by the side of the road so we are having to be patient with her. She has some separation issues.

I do pop back to EastEnders regularly...

I’ve been back every year since I left, including for the 30th anniversary. People do love Christian and it was brave to tell a gay storyline back then; it helped break down some taboos and I’m proud of that. I will always think of him fondly. As much as I love Christian, I always wanted to do other things. It gives you job security but if that’s what you want, don’t be an actor!

Will Chicago razzle dazzle you? Check out our review here

THE SHOW

Based on the real life events in the 1920s, Chicago is the sharpest, slickest show on the block and hasn’t scooped two Olivier awards; two Baftas and one Grammy for nothing.

Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the musical tells the story of nightclub singer Roxie Hart who shoots her lover. Along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Best known for his role as Christian in EastEnders, John Partridge also has a long career on the stage, with credits including Cats; Miss Saigon and A Chorus Line. He was also a judge on BBC1’s Over the Rainbow, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for Dorothy for the musical the Wizard of Oz.

He stars alongside Hayley Tamaddon, who has been in both Coronation Street and Emmerdale. She’s also a famous face after winning the fifth series of ITV’s Dancing On Ice. On stage, she has played the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot and Janet in the Rocky Horror Show.

Joining them is Sam Bailey, who went to North West Kent College in Dartford, and was a prison officer until 2013 when she won the 10th series of X Factor. Sam went on to score a Christmas No.1 with her debut single Skyscraper. Her debut album the following year, The Power of Love, reached No.1 in the album charts.

THE DETAILS

Chicago will be at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Monday, February 29 to Saturday, March 5. For tickets, from £20, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.

The show will also be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Monday, October 24 to Saturday, October 29. For tickets call 01227 787787 or visit www.marlowetheatre.com