FOLLOWING in the footsteps of Jason Donovan, Donny Osmond and Philip Schofield could be seen as daunting to some — but Craig Chalmers has made the role of Joseph his own.

Having impressed theatre boss Bill Kenwright during his time on the BBC's Any Dream Will Do in 2007, Edinburgh-born Craig won the lead role in the touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

And since then 28-year-old Craig has been touring the country to rave reviews and standing ovations, and had his contract renewed five times.

Re-telling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the famous coat of many colours, this magical family musical is full of unforgettable songs, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Ev’ry Door To Me and One More Angel.

Audiences in Blackpool will get to see what the fuss is all about when the show hits Blackpool Grand Theatre for three weeks this summer.

Its all a far cry from Craig’s early work as a cabaret star and ladies’ night compere.

He said: “My life has changed completely since the first show. It has just been like a completely different life and lifestyle.

"My Joseph is quite physical and quite cheeky and there are some comedy parts in it I quite like to do. It’s been a fantastic success and I’m really happy I’ve managed to play the role to what Bill Kenwright was hoping for.”

Craig has done almost 1,000 shows in two years and isn't nervous about stripping down to a loincloth, as he was the first time he appeared.

"It's a good motivation to keep in shape," he said.

“I’m probably at least a stone lighter than I was when I first got on stage because you’ve got to look trim and not make a fool of yourself prancing about in a loincloth.”

Since he started in Joseph, Craig has got engaged to his girlfriend Jennifer, who drives to wherever he is in the country to visit him on weekends while he is on tour.

But he has suffered sadness too as his mum died of pneumonia in January.

We put some questions to him: HOW HAS THE TOUR BEEN GOING?

The tour has been a huge success so far. Time has flown. Although I do get tired sometimes it’s worth it.

HAVE YOU GROWN AND EVOLVED AS A PERFORMER THROUGH THE SHOW?

Yes. My voice has got stronger and more consistent and I don't get nervous really any more. I’ve lost a bit of weight and toned up a little more too. I am also more confident acting.

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN?

Keep your feet on the ground.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE JOSEPH NUMBER?

Close Every Door to Me. I’ve enjoyed working on it vocally and feel very comfortable with it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS?

I always have the same routine to get ready to go on stage for luck.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Letting my life go by without living it to the full and doing all the things I want to do.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY ONE SONG ON YOUR iPOD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

That’s too hard a question. Maybe Superstition (Stevie Wonder) WHAT'S THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING YOU'VE BOUGHT, NOT INCLUDING PROPERTY?

My fiancée’s engagement ring but I am not saying how much it was.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED AND WHY?

When my mum died at the start of the year.

HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND IN A DAY?

20 to 30.

WHO'S THE MOST FAMOUS PERSON IN YOUR MOBILE?

I’ve got a few but don’t want to start naming people!

WHAT ITEM COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

My laptop.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’m pretty comfortable with myself, I guess nobody is perfect so I’m happy enough.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING ON HOLIDAY?

I have been away to Amsterdam with my fiancée Jennifer recently, which was great. I probably won’t get a holiday for a while now.

IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK IN A LIFT WITH SOMEONE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

My fiancée Jennifer. Aside from that, if it was a female celebrity it would be Megan Fox. If it were a guy it would be my footy idol David Beckham WHAT WERE YOU DOING THIS TIME YESTERDAY?

Doing a show.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING THIS TIME TOMORROW?

Doing another show!

l See Craig in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Blackpool Grand Theatre until August 23. Call box office on 01253 290190.