Shane Richie has been entertaining us for years across TV, theatre and music.
He’s perhaps best-known this days for his role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders but he manages to pack a lot of other things around his hectic schedule. His latest project is The National Lottery: Win Your Wish List which kicks off over the Christmas season.
We caught up with Shane during a break from his busy panto schedule to find out more about the show, talk about his wish list and discuss how panto is going for him this year.
Hi Shane. How are you today? Are you ready for Christmas?
No! Iām never ready, it just sort of happens and I love it!
Your new game show Win Your Wish List is airing over Christmas. Whatās it all about?
We all have a Wish List! I wish I could have an exotic holiday, or I wish I could have an amazing diamond ring to propose to my partner, and so on! It really is amazing for the contestants and very nerve racking whilst trying to win them as theyāre so special and sometimes, so important!
How did you get involved with the show?
The BBC/Victory TV contacted my manager. We took a meeting and loved it as soon as they ran it by us! Itās a great honour to host this series.
Whatās on your Wish List at the moment?
I have a friend whoās going through a bit of a tough time, and I hope (wish) things change for him.
Why should people tune in and give Win Your Wish List a chance?
Because it could be their wish list and hopefully theyāll be inspired and pleased people have the possibility of winning thereās!
Youāre been involved with a few game shows in your career. What do you like about presenting?
I love people and watching them hopefully win something that is special to them.
Youāre starring in Dick Whittington at the moment at the Wycombe Swan. Howās it going for you so far?
Itās wonderful with families coming in from across the region and shouting, laughing and we have 3-D which is amazing!
How do you prepare for panto and keep your energy levels up for the run?
I try and get regular sleep but itās difficult to plan. Plus I try not to leave the theatre where possible in between shows and have a rest in my dressing room.
Panto is obviously pretty different from EastEnders. Do you like having more of an opportunity to have fun on stage every day?
Like all theatre itās so very different to studio as the audience are in front of you and reacting. However I love both though as theyāre so different.
What plans do you have for 2015?
Lots, so letās see?
The National Lottery: Win Your Wish List airs at 7.40pm on Saturday 27 December on BBC One.