Life according to… Former Hollyoaks actor and star of The Full Monty stage play Gary Lucy

We caught up with former Hollyoaks and The Bill star Gary Lucy, who has now been in the stage version of The Full Monty for several years.

He answered our questions ahead of its latest tour arriving in Glasgow this week.

You have been involved with The Full Monty stage production for many years now. What do you enjoy about it?

For me, it’s a great show and always has been. We have a great cast who are also nice people. It’s based on such an iconic film, so there were definitely nerves at the beginning, but you trust the piece and the work you put into it, and those nerves are no longer there.

What benefits does having the film’s writer, Simon Beaufoy, involved in the production?

Simon wrote our script as well as the film, so we could not be in safer hands. He’s an Oscar-winner, after all. It really works, and so many people say they can’t tell which is better – this version or the film.

Did you watch the film again before taking on the role?

I did watch it – several times. I’m playing the Robert Carlyle part and those are big shoes to fill. You have to try to put your own stamp on it, otherwise you would be on a hiding to nothing. You need to trust the piece and the director.

Do you get nervous about stripping off on stage?

We were all nervous the first time we did it, but it’s just part of the job now. We don’t worry too much about going to the gym or how we look, because we are playing the part of steelworkers, so we can get away with it. That’s part of the story, being all different shapes and sizes.

Do you have a routine while you’re on tour?

It really depends on the town or city we’re in. I try to make the best of the local offerings but it’s different everywhere we go. I have some good friends in Glasgow, so I will spend most of my time hanging out with them. I know they will come along to the show, too, but they probably won’t tell me which night. They’ll just show up and surprise me.

What do you like to do when you’re not on the road?

I like to spend time with my kids. I’ve recently had my fourth child. Because I tend to work away a lot, I like to spend as much time with them as I can.

Are you looking forward to performing the show in Glasgow?

I love the Glasgow crowd, they always go mental over the show and it is one of the best atmospheres on the tour. I adore coming to Glasgow – it’s a great city with a great atmosphere and great people.

The Full Monty, King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tues-Sat