EATING a chicken sandwich and listening to Take That, Ian Watkins is a world away from the hyperactive popstar once labelled eighth "Worst Briton".
He's sitting in his dressing room at the Empire chatting to makeup artist and friend Helen Williamson as she transforms him into the Child Catcher.
The former Butlins Redcoat has come a long way: from the pop scrapyard wilderness to Celebrity Big Brother favourite.
During the infamous "race row" involving Shilpa Shetty, Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meera, Ian stuck up for Shilpa, and left the house to the sound of cheers.
Here he opens his heart to the Echo about acting, Jade Goody, and Wellington boots.

On Celebrity Big Brother...
"It was just the most bizarre experience and the hardest thing I've ever done.
"The people it went badly for were either really stupid or thought they were playing a very clever game.
"Jade had made a little go a long way before the show, because she doesn't have much going for her.
"I don't understand how she could be so stupid. I think she was trying to be clever.
"It was a very strange situation with Danielle. I think she was let off because of her youth.
"I went on the show so I could get my real name on a poster. Until then everything I did was as 'H'.
"I class myself as an actor and I'd love to do Shakespeare or Checkhov, but I don't think I'd be able to as 'H" – it wouldn't sound quite right."

On going back to school...
"I wanted longevity as an actor and as a performer so I auditioned for a place at the Royal Academy of Music. I needed to do it, and I think I get more respect from directors now.
"I did Fame! last year, I've just finished a play called A Night On The Tiles, and after Chitty I'm doing a play called Erogenous Zones.
"I couldn't afford to go to drama school when I was younger but acting is the thing I've always wanted to do."

On Sunderland...
Ian said: "This is my first visit to Sunderland and I really, really like it because it's so open.
"Cosa Nostra is where we like to go when we're not working.
"The cast get on really well and we've been there for drinks and dinner.
"Some cities feel quite claustrophobic but here you can see the horizon and the sea air is lovely."

On donkey sanctuaries...
"I really want to buy a farm and I've been to see one near the Rhondda Valley. I want everything to be organic and I want chickens, vegetables, the whole lot.
"I'd love to set up a donkey sanctuary and a riding school too. Life has been so hectic for the past 10 years that it would be nice to have a simpler existence. I might have to get some wellies and a Land Rover."
On Chitty Chitty Bang Bang...
Ian, who lives in Wales, said: "This is very different to anything I've ever done before. I was a bit nervous but it's something I've always wanted to do.
"I saw it when it opened in London and thought it was magical. For me to be part of it is a dream come true.
"I've never joined a show half way through before but there's a lovely family atmosphere and I honestly think it's one of the best things I've been in.
"As a child the two things I was most scared of were Jaws and the Childcatcher, but I don't have to do any method acting because the make up is enough!"
Ian spends half an hour in makeup to become the Childcatcher, hiding his hair under a bald cap and donning a pointy nose and an evil sneer.

On reality talent shows...
"I think it's a shame that there are shows looking for 'Marias' and 'Nancys' because though they do find talent, it's very hard for people who have been leading West End ladies for years to be pipped at the post by someone who came ninth in a reality show.
"It's good that shows like this encourage people to go to the theatre but I think a lot of the money generated is just lining a few people's pockets.
"It would be better if it was invested in helping under privileged actors. They're more bad than good and I think any leading lady would agree with me."
On the future...
"I'd really like to have a go at producing. Apart from that I just want to be a good, jobbing actor and do lots of different work."

On Steps....
"At the time it was really hard. Sometimes I would go home and cry because I was just so tired.
"But being in Steps has enabled me to do things I wouldn't have been able to dream of otherwise.
"It helped me get my foot in the door. I'm still in touch with Claire (Richards, former bandmate] and Faye (Tozer, another former band mate] is coming to see the show.
"We all stay in touch because it's water under the bridge now."

On famous friends...
"I'm still in touch with Shilpa Shetty – we text each other, and the other day I had a voicemail from Jermaine (Jackson, Michael's brother]. When I was in the Big Brother house it seemed odd to wake up next to a Jackson brother. But now I know Jermaine as a person and he's just a normal guy to me."