‘When I’ m on tour, I Face Time my chickens’

Jodie Prenger, 38, shot to fame when she won TV talent contest I’d Do Anything. Now an established West End star, she lives on a farm in Lancashire with her fiancé Simon and their collection of animals.

Are you excited about your musical Fat Friends?

Very! We’ve got some big names in the cast, but everyone has rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. No one is demanding white kittens or candles. And the show’s got the lot – amazing songs, a terrific script and heart.

Tell us about your West End character, Kelly Stevenson…

She’s that girl who was happy with herself – to start with. She’s in love with Kevin, they’re getting married, but then there’s this pressure on her to lose weight.

Can you relate to it?

Oh, my goodness, yes! I have struggled with weight all my life. I literally read the script and was like, ‘Oh, I’ve tried that one.’

Have you ever attended a slimming club?

I used to go with my mum – and if we lost a few pounds, we’d go for fish and chips! But no more silly diets for me. I know what I do wrong. I drink Prosecco and eat at the wrong time. And wine – that is the thing that holds on to my backside like sticky tape.

How do you portray losing weight on stage in one night?

Ah, well there are tricks of theatre! I don’t want to give too much away, but you can always wear tight knickers!

You’re doing a long tour. Is it hard being away from home?

Well, thank the lord for FaceTime. I’m very lucky, I’d never complain, but I do miss my family, my fella and my animals. Simon does actually take the phone round so I can see my chickens.

How many animals do you have at home?

I’ve gone back to my roots. We’ve bought a farm in Lancashire, so quite a few. We have two rescue cows – I love them.

When is your own wedding?

I just have to stop taking jobs! It puts it off another year. But I must – just imagine, I could have a calf as a ring bearer!