AS a member of S Club 7 Paul Cattermole had four number one singles, a number one album and played sold out concerts all over Europe.

But as he prepares to come to Manchester in the ultimate rock and roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, Paul admits: "I'm totally new to this game."

Paul will play two parts in the cult musical - rock and roll delivery boy Eddie, most famously played by Meat Loaf in the movie version of Richard O'Brien's romp, and Dr Scott, Eddie's uncle.

The new touring show which comes to Manchester Opera House from January 5 also stars Diana Vickers and Ben Freeman.

Paul is speaking to me from his dressing room in Brighton.

"We had our opening night last night and the response from the audience was amazing," he said. "I had been told about how much this show means to fans but I couldn't believe it. They know every word, they understand every scene, they know the whole history of the show."

The Rocky Horror Show revolves around engaged couple Brad and Janet who break down in the middle of nowhere and seek help from a castle occupied by the mysterious Dr Frank N Furter.

The musical has been playing to sell out audiences for over 40 years and demand for tickets for the new tour is as strong as ever.

"I had seen the show but it was a charity gala night and I don't think the hardcore fans were able to get in to the front stalls," said Paul. "So to experience a full theatre packed with fans was just out of this world. It's like having an theatre full of producers they know it so well.

"I'm just grateful to get the chance to what is in effect start my stage career in such a great show.

"I expressed an interest in the show because I felt I could do the parts justice. There are so many parts out there which at this stage I can't do as I don't have the right skills sets and where, for example, you need real dancing experience.

"I'm under no illusions that I'm actually starting out all over again but I'm loving it.

"I will let those who come to the show judge what I can do - all I can do is my best."

With S Club, Paul experienced an amazing five year ride from 1999. The band, which also included Rachael Stevens, Tina Barrett, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O'Meara and Hannah Spearritt, were put together by manager Simon Fuller.

"To be honest, I never though I would look back at the S Club days with as much fondness as I do," said Paul. "I was under no illusions when I joined the group that we were part of something which would have a five-year shelf life.

"I used to get told off because I'd describe us as a huge marketing concept rather than a pop group but that's what we were.

"We all worked incredibly hard during that period but we were all young and grateful for the job and we just accepted everything we were asked to do.

"It is only now when I see how much our music meant to people and how many people we made so happy that you realise what you were really part of."

For Paul now, the thought of pursuing a stage career is what drives him on.

"It's ironic really," he said. "I left stage school to go straight into S Club so I never got the chance to do what I'd originally set out to do, But here I am now in one of the most famous musicals about to tour the country.

"I would love to do some TV, who wouldn't? but I'm really loving the idea of theatre and I want people to judge me on my performances on stage."

Paul says that the Rocky Horror cast have already become firm friends and that he has found he has much in common with East Lancashire's own Diana Vickers who shot to fame via the TV talent show X Factor.

"We get on really well," said Paul. "She has got such a unique voice and is extremely talented. She is fantastic as Janet."

With S Club Paul was used to being on stage in front of screaming fans but he admits The Rocky Horror Show represents a totally different challenge.

"It is easier in some ways," he said. "For a start I'm not on stage as much. With an S Club concert you were on stage for the full show.

"But with theatre there is just so much more to remember. You have to do things in a certain way, you have just got to be much more disciplined as you are part of a team up there.

"In S Club once were on stage I could do virtually what I wanted in performance terms, I certainly can't do that in the Rocky Horror Show."

The Rocky Horror Show, Manchester Opera House, Tuesday, January 5 to Saturday, January 16. Details from 0844 871 3018