Tony Cowell
Meet best’s brand-new Dancingon Ice columnist, JOHN BARROWMAN MBE! One of Britain’s busiest allround entertainers, he starred in TV’s Doctor Who and Torchwood, first making his mark in musical theatre on Broadway and London’s West End. Here, the I’mA Celebrity... 2018 finalist, 52, talks about his new Christmas album, and not only joining the judging panel of DancingonIce - but bringing best readers all the gossip from the hit skating show every single week...
John, we’re delighted to have you as our Dancing on Ice columnist!
Thank you, I’m very excited! It’s a show I love, so to be able not only to get involved on the judging panel, but bring best readers all the latest gossip too, is just a total delight. And anyone who knows me knows that I will be fair, but I will not hold back on my opinions! Having competed myself in 2006, I feel like I have a real in-depth knowledge of how it feels to compete on the ice. So I hope I can bring all that knowledge, and a whole lot of fun, to my new column. I can’t wait!
You’ll be joining judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo – think you’ll all get on?
It’s great company to be in. Fortunately, when we all met up for the first time, we got on really well. Though we agreed to disagree on the way we will each judge the performances! I will be a very different judge to Jason Gardiner. But that doesn’t mean that, if someone messes up, I’m not going to hold back from criticism. If someone’s routine is boring, I will tell them so. Also, when I was a contestant, I didn’t get to finish the series (I was eliminated in week four) – but this time I will, as a judge.
You’ve also got a new Christmas album out – are you a workaholic?!
Yes, I think I am! But I do enjoy my downtime, and whenever I am working abroad, I make sure I get some private time for myself and my husband (Scott Gill). Truth is, I love working, and I get that from my dad – but in the end, it is all a balancing act.
You have some interesting duets on the new album...
I do. One of them is with Emily Atack, whom I adore. We first hit it off when we were in the jungle for I’m A Celebrity... last year. It’s a funny take on the song, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I also did another duet with the fabulous Puppini Sisters. It’s a very personal, festive album.
You recently went on tour, celebrating 30 years on stage – and brought family, didn’t you?
I did, yes. Every time I go on tour, I try and get my mum and dad involved, as well as Scott. I don’t like being away from my family for long periods, so I prefer to have them with me.
Let’s go back to the beginning. You were born in Glasgow, weren’t you?
Yes, then my dad’s work took us to America. But I remain 100 per cent Scottish in my soul. We would always celebrate Burns Night when we lived in the States.
Where does your love of performing come from?
My mum would sing, so I think I took a lot from her. I get my work ethic from my dad, and his sense of humour inspired me. My love of music comes from when my parents took me to church in Scotland as a child, and I heard community singing for the first time.
Did you have a happy childhood?
‘I never let being different deter me from being who I was – I just got on with it and stood up for myself’
Yes, I did at home, but I try not to ever complain about being bullied at school, for being different from other boys. I never let it deter me from being who I was. I just got on with it and stood up for myself.
How did you feel when you were honoured with an MBE?
It was huge. Not only did I get to go to Buckingham Palace and enter the Throne Room, but I was also able to take my husband and my mum and dad. Being an openly gay man, it felt hugely important.
How often do you think back on your first role, playing Billy Crocker in Anything Goes?
Probably every day of my life. Because it’s where I come from. That role was the beginning for me. That was in 1989 and I’ve not stopped working ever since. I’m really lucky to be able to say that.
I loved you in Torchwood – was that a huge TV break for you?
Playing Captain Jack changed my life. Doctor Who and Torchwood put me on an international level, and led me to Desperate Housewives. So, I owe a great deal to Captain Jack!
How will you spend Christmas, before all the Dancing on Ice madness begins?
Last year was the first time in 10 years that I spent with my family in Palm Springs. So this year I’ll spend it with Scott and my mum and dad. I love it, especially decorating the house, and we have two Christmas trees – one for Scottish decorations and one which is very American!
John Barrowman’s
A Fabulous Christmas is out now on Decca Records. For tour details see cuffeandtaylor.com.