He’s set to return to the role of Hugo, aka Loco Chanelle, for the West End show Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in May.
And Shane Richie revealed on Friday’s edition of This Morning that he has had to go on a diet to ensure he can fit into the drag queen’s dresses for the production, as his weight has been ‘creeping up’ in lockdown.
Looking forward to the show’s re-opening on May 20th, the actor, 57, said: ‘While I was in the [I’m A Celebrity] castle I managed to lose over a stone in weight, and then in January we were supposed to open at the Apollo.
Changes: Shane Richie revealed on Friday’s This Morning he has had to go on a diet because his weight has been ‘creeping up’ in lockdown and he no longer fits into a size 12 dress
‘But, sadly, like everything we went into lockdown, and now the weight is creeping up,’ Shane admitted.
The EastEnders star went on: ‘But now we’ve got the green light to come back on May 20th, I’m now starting to get back into boxing training, watching what I eat, because I really need to get back into a size 12!
‘And, funnily enough, you’ve just reminded me I’ve got to make a phone call today to make the producers send me the six inch heels because it’s been a year since I walked around in stilettos.’
Drag queen: Shane is set to return to the role of Hugo, aka Loco Chanelle, for the West End show Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in May (pictured in the role with Jessie Wallace in 2019)
Candid: Looking forward to the show’s re-opening on May 20th, he said: ‘While I was in the castle I managed to lose over a stone in weight… and now the weight is creeping up’
The musical follows Jamie New, who is 16 and doesn’t quite fit in, with the teenager set on becoming a drag queen instead of pursuing a ‘real’ career.
Uncertain about his future, Jamie knows one thing for sure – that he is going to be a performing sensation.
Supported by his loving mum and his amazing friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.
Fitness: Shane explained, ‘I’m now starting to get back into boxing training, watching what I eat, because I really need to get back into a size 12!’
Amusing: Shane added, ‘I’ve got to make a phone call today to make the producers send me the six inch heels because it’s been a year since I walked around in stilettos’
The musical was originally staged at The Crucible in Sheffield in 2017 before moving to London’s West End later that year with most of the original cast returning.
Nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards in 2018, the production won Best New Musical that year at the WhatsOnStage Awards.
It was announced back in December that Shane would be resuming his role, he played the character in 2019 and went on a UK tour last year before the coronavirus crisis led to theatres closing their doors.
Speaking about his return at the time, Shane revealed: ‘I can’t wait to swap my castle walking boots for a pair of high heels and return to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie as Hugo / Loco Chanelle in January.
Exciting: It was announced back in December that Shane would be resuming his role, he played the character in 2019 and went on a UK tour last year
‘After 2020 we could all do with little bit of glitter in the grey and having been with Jamie both in the West End and on UK Tour it’s going to be a fabulous way to start the New Year.’
While producer, Nica Burns, added: ‘We are delighted that Shane Richie is returning to sprinkle his special star dust on the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle. What a treat!’
In October last year, a trailer of the hotly-anticipated film adaption of the musical was released with Richard E. Grant playing Shane’s character.
The movie also stars Catastrophe co-creator and star Sharon Horgan as Jamie’s teacher Miss Hedge while Happy Valley’s Sarah Lancashire will appear as his mother, Margaret.
All dolled up: In October, a trailer of the hotly-anticipated film adaption of the musical was released with Richard E. Grant playing Shane’s character (pictured)