Blue’s Antony Costa is buzzing with his life and career

THE show must go on – and that’s why singer and actor Antony Costa will take just a week off the road when his fiancée has their second child next month.

The boyband Blue singer and his partner, Rosanna Jasmin, already have a toddler, Savannah, together.

The 35-year-old has been part of the touring stage show, A Judgement In Stone, since January.

“I have a very understanding partner,” down-to-earth Antony said.

“She’s going to give birth in the next four weeks, so I’ll take a week off to spend time with them and our daughter. Then I’ll be back on the road.

“It’s tough being away but it’s all I’ve ever known since I was 18. I’ve missed birthdays, christenings, weddings, the lot.

“If the show is near London then I’ll commute, but when it comes to places such as Glasgow that’s not possible.”

While he’s in Glasgow this week he’ll celebrate his 36th birthday, so he’ll be out on the town to celebrate.

“I’m going to have a drink,” he smiled. “I haven’t had one in more than 10 weeks, so I think I deserve one on my birthday.

“A couple of people in the show are from Glasgow and they’re going to tell me the best places to go – and where to avoid!”

Antony is excited to be part of A Judgement In Stone, which is based on a Ruth Rendell novel and is produced by Bill Kenwright.

It’s directed by Roy Marsden, who played Adam Dalgliesh in ITV’s P. D. James series, and co-stars Andrew Lancel, Sophie Ward and Shirley Anne Field.

The straight acting role is a throwback to Antony’s teenage years, when he appeared in BBC shows Chalk and Grange Hill.

Over the past 10 years he’s performed in a series of stage musicals such as Blood Brothers and Save The Last Dance For Me, but A Judgement In Stone is song and dance-free.

“This is my first straight acting role on stage and I love it,” said Antony, who also has an older daughter from a previous relationship.

“I feel so blessed. Not only am I paying the bills, I’m doing something I love.

“Every day is different – the theatre and the audience – that’s why I love live theatre.

“I’m working with such great people and learning every day.

“You’re never too old to learn and with this talented cast and crew, I can only get better at what I do.

“I can’t give away the plot, but I play one of the main suspects.

“Who knows what will happen next. I might not do another show for the rest of my life, but if I can make a name for myself, I’ll be buzzing.

“I’m probably not going to be a major film star, I’m realistic about that, but I’d be happy if this leads to other things.”

Blue were one of the biggest boybands in the UK in the early part of the century and continue to tour together.

They’ve been given a boost in recent years thanks to their involvement in Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway show, including the off-shoot arena tour.

Antony said: “Ant and Dec were a dream to work with.

“They’re also two of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever met. Every day they were up before everyone else, working with the scriptwriters and always trying to improve the show.

“Blue have a few gigs lined up for August. It’s nice we can come back together and play for the fans.

“The band is 16 years of my life and that’s not something you can brush under the carpet.

“It’ll always be part of me and we’ll forever be mates.

“We’re happy doing what we do these days, gigging around the UK, Europe and Asia.”

After the Blue concerts, Antony will return to A Judgement In Stone in September.

After that, he’s not sure what he’ll do, but he’s ready to embrace it wholeheartedly.

“Bill Kenwright has been so good to me and so supportive over the years. He’s a really good boss.

“I’ll never close doors to any opportunity. Whether it’s a musical or a straight play – if it works for me I’ll take it.

“It’s just great to have that option and opportunity now.”

A Judgement In Stone, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Mon-Sat