Bradley Walsh is back for an unprecedented third season in panto at Milton Keynes Theatre. Total MKs Sammy Jones met the star of Peter Pan...
Bradley hasn't been in pantomime in Milton Keynes for seven years, and yet his stint in Cinderella in 2006 (and return a year later for Aladdin, which Bradley also directed) is still held dear by the panto loving public.
Everyone loves the cheeky chappie who has been crowned the most popular star of panto in MK, beating Henry Winkler, Mickey Rooney, Gareth Gates and plenty more to the title.
"It's very, very flattering, that's for sure," acknowledges our relaxed interviewee.
"It's like the perfect storm though," modest Bradley says describing the success as a group thing, "It's the theatre, the cast, the stage area...it's the way that everything comes together."
Bradley has been itching to make a return to the stage in MK, but is in demand as a suitably packed schedule confirms.
It was a case of finding the time, and a cast to get excited about. As it turns out, the second part was easy. "When I was told 'Brad, there's an opportunity to do Milton Keynes with Peter Pan,' I said, 'What's the premise?'
"They said "We are thinking of taking someone who played Hook last year, and we're looking at Flawless too.' I said 'I'm in', he recounts, quick as a flash.
"I know David's (Bedella, Hook) work, and he's off the radar, and I'd read the Flawless reviews and said 'Yeah, great.' They are showstoppers.”
Bradley isn't wearing his director hat this time around. There just wasn't time to sort it, he says before talking me through his packed diary which is brimming with stuff.
"You've got to really want to do it," he says of the annual festive stint.
But watching him as sensational Smee, telling rude jokes, and bringing smiles to 1400 faces with each performance, it's clear that Bradley does indeed 'want it'.
Unlike his lead role in ITVs Law & Order - he has starred as Detective Sergeant Ronnie Brookes since the show began – Peter Pan is a time for Bradley to get silly.
If you've already grabbed a glow-stick and taken in the feel-good show, you'll know that Bradley can be very silly indeed.
He relishes his role as bumbling Smee: "Its a fantastic role to play because you are really on the side of Peter Pan, the kids and Wendy, yet you are one of the pirates.
"You're with the audience and kids and taking the mickey out of Captain Hook who takes himself far too seriously...."
The thing that strikes me about all-rounder Bradley is his canny ability to know when to get in, and when to leave a role. Has that always been part of the work plan?
"Yes, 100%," he nods. "The secret is not to overstretch yourself. Say for instance, if people wanted me to go into the opera at Glyndebourne...I'd be mad.
"If they wanted me to play Hamlet at The National, I'd be mad. You've got to know what suits you and what shows you in the best light. And more to the point, you've got to know when to get out. When enough is enough."
He continues: "What's interesting is what we've just done with Law & Order. I've played Ronnie since 2008, in around 60 shows, and it was time for a rest."
ITV have agreed to put the show on hiatus for 'a couple of years'.
Bradley's input into the decision was huge: "I had a big, big say in that decision," he admits.
"Then, as soon as I stepped away from that, a job came in with the BBC with Kayvan Novak, in a show called Woody.
"That'll be out in the spring and is more of a comedic role. Sometimes it's time to make changes, you know?"
Bradley also hosts the best quiz show on television, The Chase.
It's a 'must-do' every week night, and now there's the celebrity version too.
Incredibly, given the amazing hype afforded the Beeb's star show Dr Who, The Chase has been top-dog in the ratings.
He smiles: "The viewing figures are fantastic and the celebrity one has taken it twice. We are thrilled.
"I really do love that show, and I am on the side of the contestant so I can have comedy banter with the chasers, and it's quick and speedy..."
It's very speedy, and the odd stumble is a given.
"Sometimes we stumble, and then you stop and re-record that particular question. It's all looked at by lawyers and adjudicators though, it's very strict...and the chasers are furious if they lose!"
But for the moment, it's not the chasers, rather a stint in Neverland that is occupying Bradley's time, with a gruelling schedule that carries through to January 11, 2015.
How do you stay fit and healthy for the duration? "Eat properly and don't go out drinking," is the quick as a flash reply.
"People say 'It's show-business, you can have a drink,' and you can't.
"Alcohol strips your body of Vitamin C and then it's game over - colds, flu, everything. You have to try and stay as healthy as you can."
If you've yet to take a ticket for the festive-funny with plenty of sparkle, Bradley promises you a terrific time.
"It's something different and I always like to bring something different to the show - something you've have never seen before."
He's right. Where else can you see a singing croc, an obscenely large canine, and hear a song sung about 'a bra that was made to hold three?'
Fly away for a couple of hours with the stars of Peter Pan.
Tickets are on sale through www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call 0844 871 7652.
