Former Loose Women presenter Claire Sweeney joins an all-star cast the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as it reaches Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre. We caught up with Claire ahead of her visit to Canterbury.

Did you find Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (and the Childcatcher) scary when you were a child?

It is really scary! But I have to say I’ve never had such a positive response about a show I’m doing. Everyone’s been really excited about it. I really wanted to do it.

You’ve gone from one show to another haven’t you?

Yes I’ve just finished Hairspray – I had a little holiday first, and then I’ve gone straight into rehearsals for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s how I like it.

How do you manage touring when you have a young son (who’s under two)?

My son travels with me when I’m touring. We pack up and head off together. He’s in my dressing room a lot of the time. I’m on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang until January, so we’ll be doing this all through Christmas. It’s what I do every year so I am used to it really.

Tell us about the character you play in the show.

I play Baroness Bomburst. She is absolutely vile! She really is horrible. She hates children and wants to get rid of all them. So she’s the total opposite of me! But playing a baddie often gets a really got reaction from the audience.

What’s your favourite bit of the show?

My favourite bit is when I get to do a samba. I am a bit of a dancer; I did Strictly. I love singing and dancing and so I love that bit. I am so looking forward to it.

You’ve presented a lot of TV, but are you now concentrating on theatre?

Theatre was always my true love. It just happened that I went more into theatre.

You’re performing at the Marlowe – have you played in Kent before?

Oh yes, and I absolutely love Canterbury. I adore it, it’s a wonderful place. My son and I can get out and explore.

THE SHOW

Claire stars as Baroness Bomburst alongside Lee Mead as Caractacus Potts and Phill Jupitus as Lord Scrumptious. also in the cast is Carrie Hope Fletcher, who recently starred in the West End in Les Miserables, as Truly Scrumptious and Matt Gillett as the Childcatcher.

Claire made her name in the Channel 4 soap Brookside and came second behind Jack Dee in the first Celebrity Big Brother. She has had a range of stage and TV roles, including presenting 60 Minute Makeover.

With sensational sets and special effects, the show has a memorable score by the Sherman brothers, who were also responsible for Mary Poppins, The Slipper and the Rose, The Aristocats and the Jungle Book.

THE DETAILS

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at the Marlowe Theatre from Wednesday, August 24 to Saturday, September 3. Read our review here.

For tickets priced from £26 call 01227 787787, visit marlowetheatre.com or go to chittythemusical.co.uk