This week, LEE MEAD catches up with In2 to talk about his new album and tour, which comes to Southend this Valentine’s Day...
by Michelle Norris
SINCE shooting to fame on the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, the past five years have certainly been a dream come true for Lee Mead – and now he’s sharing the love.
With a new album packed with affectionate songs set for release on 30 January and ‘The Love Tour’, which comes to Southend on the most romantic day of the year - Valentine’s Day – there’s plenty of Lee to go around.
And, following a 12-date tour in Japan, I was lucky enough to grab a chat with the star, which, after interviewing him last year, felt more like I was catching up with an old friend.
“I’ve had quite a lucky year really,” says Lee, who turned 30 last summer. “I’m very conscious that my work is very important but so is my family so it’s all about keeping a balance.”
Indeed, married to fellow Essex girl Denise Van Outen and father to 18-month-old Betsy, it’s clear that Lee is a proud family man.
“It’s always hard being away from your family, but when I’m away and on tour we skype online everyday.
“With work, sometimes you feel like you have to take everything that comes along,” he confesses.
“But there are times when you need to take a step back otherwise you’ll be working all the time.”
But it seems the world just can’t get enough of this Southend born sweetheart. Already boasting West End roles in Joseph, Wicked, Legally Blonde the Musical, plus the popular Oscar Wilde play Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, Lee has also been exploring his acting career, making his TV debut in Casualty as teaching assistant Harry Timms last year.
“It really was the most amazing experience,” he says of Casualty. “But acting has always been my first and foremost passion. Even now, I still see songs like they’re a script, you just need to put your own stamp on them.”
For now though, Lee is sticking to what he knows best and will be treating audiences in Southend to his vocals on ‘The Love Tour’.
“This will be my biggest tour to date,” he says, with excitement. “It won’t be what people expect. It’s not just going to be your Lionel Richie or Barry White covers. There will be some musical numbers in there too.
“One song that I’m really looking forward to singing is The Garden by Take That,” he adds. “I took Denise to see them at The Circus
tour in Wembley and it was phenomenal – although I’m not sure that my show at the Cliffs will be quite the same but the material will still be amazing.”
However, with Lee busy with his show at Southend on Valentine’s Day, does he have a special treat lined up for Denise I wonder?
“I know, it’s naughty isn’t it?” he laughs of the concert date. “Because the Cliffs is only 45 minutes to London, I’ll be straight in the car to spend the evening with Denise. We’ll probably do something the night before as well, so we’ll still have our own Valentine’s Day.
“Hopefully the show will help to give audiences a real taste of who I am.”
Lee Mead brings ‘The Love Tour’ to the Cliffs Pavilion on 14 February. For tickets call 01702 351 135.
Picture Credit: Rhys Frampton