STRICTLY star Joe McFadden has revealed he might hit the stage after the BBC dance show.
The actor – who is emerging as one of the favourites to win the famous glitter ball trophy – isn’t ruling out a role in an all-singing, all-dancing musical in London’s West End or Broadway.
His performances on the show have improved so much that head judge Shirley Ballas last week labelled him a “dark horse” who could win the whole thing.
And analysis of the judges’ marking suggests he is definitely a front-runner.
The Holby actor is refusing to talk up his chances and said: “I’m really not feeling any more expectation.
“I’m trying not to look to the future and I don’t feel like the dark horse at all.”
There had been speculation about Joe moving on from playing surgeon Raf Di Lucca on the BBC1 medical drama and he admitted that Strictly could be the spur to quit.
“It’s not going to happen in the immediate future but I’ve been there for four years now.
“I feel like I’ve done pretty much everything that I can and faced every challenge.
“Maybe this will be a springboard and open up avenues to doing live theatre and maybe a musical.”
With Joe, 42, and fellow Glaswegian Susan Calman, 43, taking to the floor last night for the big Blackpool spectacular, a quarter of the remaining eight celebs are from north of the border.
He said: “It’s gorgeous to fly the Saltire for Scotland.
“Everyone loves Strictly and wants to talk about it. I’ve never been in a show that’s so loved by so many people.
“I was really heartened by the support.
“It feels so nice to have Susan there and to have a Scottish pal. I’ll be very sad if and when Susan goes out, but she’ll probably still be there after me.”
Last night, he danced a salsa to Ride On Time by Black Box in the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom alongside pro partner Katya Jones. And he says he has been so inspired by the place he’s telling all his mates they must pay a visit.
“It’s shameful that I’ve never been here before,” he said.
“It’s a thing of beauty.”
While some fellow celebs have had criticism over previous dance experience being an advantage, Joe reckons never having danced before could benefit him as he’s not having to un-learn any other style.
Reports surfaced at the end of last week over supposed backstage animosity between favourites Debbie McGee and Alexandra Burke.
But Joe was quick to shoot down the rumours.
“Absolutely not. We all get on. It always surprises me when I read that stuff because I’ve never seen any tension at all.”
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