ANTONYCosta cannot contain his excitement about landing a key role in The Who’s rock opera Tommy which comes to Blackpool Opera House in September.

“Oh mate, just to be part of the show is something so special,” he said. “And as the show celebrates the 40th anniversary since the film was first released that’s just amazing.”

Antony, best known as a member of chart topping Blue, will play Cousin Kevin in the cult musical written by Pete Townshend.

“Oh, I’m not a nice geezer in the show,” said Antony with some relish. “Cousin Kev’s a nasty piece of work who makes poor Tommy’s life a misery.

“When I was asked to audition for the part I had to do it front of a team of people including Paul Nicholas who is producing the new show and who actually played Cousin Kevin in the film version – so no pressure there then.

“Afterwards he took me to one said and said I’d done well and it was obvious that I’d thought about the part and that he’s love to have me on board – I was delighted.”

In his role as Cousin Kevin, Antony gets to sing one the Tommy’s most well known songs Pinball Wizard.

“I get to sing the song made famous by Elton John, that’s just mental,” said Antony.

Antony is no stranger to the theatre – he toured in the hit Willy Russell musical Blood Brothers, but admits that audiences may take time to adapt to someone famous for their chart hits playing a theatrical role.

“I always need that challenge,” he said. “It’s not in my nature to be complacent and I always push myself to do my best.

“When I got Blood Brothers I had to prove myself – I wasn’t exactly born with a Scouse accent but people loved the show and they soon forgot who I was in real life.”

The lead role of Tommy will be played by X Factor winner Joe McElderry.

“Offstage Joe and I are mates,” said Antony. “We both have the same management company and we know each other quite well which is quite helpful.

“But he’s not going to recognise me on stage, I’m going to terrify him,” laughed Antony.

The show runs at Blackpool Opera House for two weeks from Saturday, September 12 to Saturday, September 26 and Antony begins rehearsals next week.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “it’s going to be great.”

Whether rock legend Pete Townshend or Roger Daltrey from The Who will be around either for rehearsals or the show itself no-one knows but Antony is hoping if they do they keep it a surprise.

“I’ve friends who were in We Will Rock You the Queen musical and Brian May just turned up every now and then and played a guitar solo at the end of the show – that would be amazing.”

Antony has got a pretty busy six months lined up, for as well as Tommy, he’s off on Blue’s European tour and also has a panto lined up at Christmas.

“I jus like to work and I’m so lucky it’s so varied.

“But to get something like Tommy which combines two things – the live theatre show and singing rock songs, it don’t get much better does it?”

Tommy, Blackpool Opera House Saturday, September 12 to Saturday, September 26, details from 0844 856 1111.