Yours chats to Lee Mead
Musical theatre’s leading man and Holby City star Lee Mead talks family first, living his dreams and why he won’t be writing his autiobiography
You have to dream big
I never expected to win Any Dream Will Do and become famous. I auditioned alongside 10,000 men so it was like winning the lottery to get the part of Joseph at the end. It changed my life, although it took me a while to adjust to being stopped every five minutes and stepping up to being a leading man.
It’s OK to say no
Years ago, I felt obliged to say yes to every opportunity. But now, I’ll only say yes to work that truly that excites me. I’ve also been asked a few times to write an autobiography but I’ve always said no. You get so many celebs releasing books after six minutes of fame and I thought it would be far more interesting to wait another 20 or 30 years when I have more experience and wisdom to share.
Surround yourself with great people
It took me almost five years to get my first TV role and I was really chuffed when I got Casualty and later Holby City. My first day on Casualty I was so nervous doing a scene with Derek Thomson [who plays Charlie] as he’s like the godfather of the show. But we went for my first take and just as the cameras were rolling Derek made a funny noise that made me laugh and loosen up. Derek has since become a great friend.
Family comes first
Work is a big part of my life but my daughter, Betsy, always comes first. If anything clashes with our schedule I won’t agree to it as I don’t think you ever get those years back. She’s seven now, but before I know it she’ll be an adult living her own life. Before I became a parent, I thought the most important thing was my career. But since I’ve become a father, I’ve realised work isn’t the be-alland-end-all.
Down-time is so important
Part of the reason I enjoy working on TV shows like Holby City is that I’m not touring the country constantly so it gives me a good work-life balance. When I get free time, I like to go for long walks along the beach and spend quality time with Betsy. We love walking the dog and going on trips to the cinema and zoo.
Keep doing what you love
It’s been ten years since I won Any Dream Will Do and I’m really pleased with the choices I’ve made in my career. My hope now is that I’ll still be doing this in another ten years. I recently saw Tony Bennett at The Royal Albert Hall and even at the age of 90 he was so engaging and entertaining. I thought to myself, ‘If I’m still singing like that at 90, I’ll be a happy man.’ I’d also love to perform at The Albert Hall myself one day.
The album Lee Mead – 10 Year Anniversary is out now. Lee’s 10 Year Anniversary tour runs nationwide until November. To book, contact your local theatre or visit www.leemead.co.uk He was talking to Katharine Wootton