Ben Richards on Rock of Ages the outfit will be very tight leather

Ben Richards is preparing to squeeze into tight leather trousers and don a blonde wig but it’s all in the name of art.

The former Holby City, The Bill and Footballers’ Wives actor stars in the touring production of Rock of Ages, the Musical.

Set in the world of the Los Angeles rock scene in the 1980s, Ben plays rock god Stacee Jaxx.

The 42-year-old will be stretching his vocal cords with big anthems like Don’t Stop Believin’, the Final Countdown and We Built This City.

He said: “I love coming to Scotland and there’s some great bars and restaurants, but I think the style of singing required for this show will put into question the amount of partying I’m able to do!

“The outfit will be very tight leather, a lot of man-made materials and a big blonde wig. But the girls will be wearing very little too, so there’s something for everyone!”

Ben, who will star alongside Hear’say’s Noel Sullivan in the show, said he listened to a lot of ’80s rock as a youngster, thanks to one of his friends.

“I grew up listening to Motown and bands like The Commodores, but when I went round to my mate Paul’s house, we would listen to AC/DC and Iron Maiden.

“From there I got into bands like Def Leppard and Whitesnake.”

Ben recently released a single and video, as part of the promotion for Bowel Cancer Awareness. He was diagnosed with the condition in 2012 and had to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Since going into remission 16 months ago, he wants to highlight that it isn’t just a cancer that affects older people.

He added: “I’m trying to get the message out there. It’s a new normal I’m experiencing after cancer. I have a new house and a fantastic girlfriend I’m in a great place.”

Rock of Ages is at the Edinburgh Playhouse from May 19-24 and Glasgow King’s from August 4-10.