Norwich Theatre Royal panto star Steven Houghton is an ex TV firefighter and popstar and soon to be an international poster boy.Steven Houghton began a career in theatre and television by training in classical ballet and contemporary dance.
Even at this age he was winning awards and scholarships for his work, evidence of the talent that would win him many fans in later life.
Rough and ready: Steven shows off the stubble he'll be shaving as the face of an international razor brand.
"You have to work really hard to be a good dancer – and all my efforts paid off with breaks that took me to the West End.
"I was in a number of musicals such as the Children of Eden, Martin Guerre and CATS playing the part of Munkustrap. I even got to tour the country as the leather-clad ultra cool Danny Zuko in Grease."
From climbing ladders to beanstalks
But it was leaving the stage for the role of TV fire-fighter Gregg Blake in London's Burning that really brought Steven into the public eye. It may have only been for one series but his good looks soon led to other parts, such as Ed in Bugs.
It wasn't just his acting that was gaining attention. A good singing voice earned him a recording contract with an album Steven Houghton that went Gold with sales of over 200,000.
The single Wind Beneath My Wings stayed in the Top Ten for ten weeks in 1997 selling some 600,000 copies.
Prince and Princess: Lucy Hunter-James and Steven Houghton in Jack and the Beanstalk Steven will be putting his fine voice to good use in the panto this year.
"I have four numbers including a Blues Brothers style – but my favourite has to be 'I will go the distance' from the film Hercules."
New album
Steven may be using time between shows to write more of his own songs that he hopes will turn into a new album.
He could have added to his growing fame by becoming a film star too. Steven was offered a part in Lord of the Rings but had to turn it down as he had already accepted the part in the West End musical 'Spend, Spend, Spend' .
"I can't say which I like best between TV and the stage and the singing. I've just enjoyed all the experiences I've had."
Jack in the Beanstalk won't be Steven's first panto. "Three years ago I was in Cardiff playing opposite Melinda Messenger in Cinderella," he said.
One time Flying Picket Brian Hibbard also stars. This year he is surrounded by a strong cast at the Theatre Royal and says he is looking forward to his role as the Prince.
"Panto is the best time in theatre. It's such fun and everyone mucks in. The atmosphere is great - and best of all panto means it's Christmas time again!"
So smooth
When Steven hangs up his Prince Casper tights it looks like he may be heading back to the West End.
He could soon be taking over from Michael Ball as Caractacus Potts in the new hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Also look out for Steven on the small screen in a TV commercial for the razor last seen in the new Bond movie.
He beat off competition from 90 male models to land the part that included a trip to Prague for the filming.