Peter Andre
Peter Andre will soon star in a revival of Grease. But despite his love of the limelight, he tells Tony Cowell he won’t be happy if his daughter follows him into reality TV…
Peter Andre has played out much of his life on reality TV. Now the likable Aussie is about to play his first theatrical role since he was a talented 17-yearold. It’s been a difficult time for the singer, who’s now 48: he was diagnosed with Covid at the start of the year, which took its toll on both his physical and mental health. But he’s fighting fit now, and Peter – who is married to GP Emily MacDonagh, with whom he has children Amelia, seven, and Theo, four (he also has Princess, 14, and Junior, 16, with his ex, Katie Price), tells Tony Cowell how excited he is to be back playing to a live audience – and how Junior seems destined to follow in his dad’s footsteps…
You are playing both Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine in Excited?!
Grease.
I am. There’s going to have to be some quick changes for me. These are big characters that
I am playing. But there’s also a lot of singing and dancing, so it’s a very upbeat and happy show to be a part of. Working with the great director Dame Arlene Phillips has helped me so much, too.
How’s it feel to be back on stage? Theatre has really suffered during lockdown…
It’s been hard for everyone, and the rules are ridiculous in my mind, because it is putting everyone in the theatre world in danger. It’s extra difficult because, on stage, everyone is dancing together and in constant close contact. So far,
we are all safe.
You have your own YouTube channel, The Andres – but when can we expect to see you back on TV?
I love doing the YouTube stuff because it’s a very different medium from television. With TV, I believe that when the right show comes along, I will do it. But I’m not sure I want to go back to doing a reality show about my life. I hosted the Miss World in 2019 and that was seen by two billion people. So, I may do that again.
Tell me about your move into film production with the movie, Ja-Faican?
Well, I had a part in the movie, which is set in Jamaica [ he’s believed to be playing a heavily tattooed heroin addict called Billy Buckley] then they asked me to get involved with the production and writing – it’s my first opportunity to really get into the film world and also get behind the camera, as well. It’s an exciting time for me because film is really where I want to be in the future. Hopefully, it will hit UK cinemas around November.
When can fans expect new music from you?
I had such a productive time in the studio. One of the songs
I wrote is so fitting to the movie I have just done, we are going to put that in the movie. So that’s a good way for people to hear my new music. It’s also a perfect fit for me. The idea of trying to get my songs played on radio just… fills me with horror!
How are Princess and Junior doing?
I’m very close to Junior, he’s lived with us now for over three years. I genuinely believe he’s destined to be a big star. Acting is his number one passion. He’s going to an acting college now and doing a short film in September. I have been really impressed with his acting skill. He knows what he wants to do. Princess is doing well too, but she is determined to go on Love Island, but I’m determined it’s not going to happen – not while I’m her dad. When she turns 18 then she’s not going to listen to me any more. Look, she’s only 14 and she needs to finish school. I told her she should present on Love Island – because she is a little star in her own right. She just laughs at me.
Will you get time for a Summer holiday with the family?
I’m just too busy, you know – and I’m truly grateful that I’m going back to work in Grease. It’s been a tough few years. What I am looking forward to is Emily’s birthday on 16 August. I’m taking her away for the night – just the two of us. We just haven’t been able to do that for a long time. You can tell I haven’t been out for a while because I’m getting excited about going away for one night!
For tickets and further information on Grease, see greasethemusical ontour.com