Panto star Sam Kane today told how he dashed off stage in Wolverhampton to watch wife Linda Lusardi’s debut in TV’s Dancing on Ice.
The 39-year-old former Brookside actor, who is playing Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre, is taping the celebrity skating competition on Sundays as it coincides with his performance.
Sam, who has been happily married to the actress and former Page 3 girl since 1998, was speaking to the Express & Star from his dressing room last night, which is decorated with “Missing You” picture postcards from Linda and their children, 11-year-old Lucy and eight-year-old Jack.
The actor said he admires his 49-year-old wife for taking part in the show and misses his own days on TV.
“I’m recording Dancing on Ice,” he said. “I sat down to watch it as soon as possible after finishing my performance on Sunday and thought she was marvellous.
“It was incredible bearing in mind she had only ice skated a couple of times in her life before training for the show.
“I was really proud of her, especially since she broke a bone in her foot and had to miss six weeks of training.
“She relishes the challenge and that helped in her performance.
“She was a real trooper to carry on regardless and to do as well as she did.
“She is used to pressure but this has taken her out of her comfort zone. She relishes the challenge and that showed in her performance.
“I also think she has the best partner and so that helped too.
“As for me, I’ve got an altogether different challenge here in Wolverhampton, but it’s one that I have a lot of fun with.”
Sam said while he missed being on TV himself, he described being on stage as “a real thrill” which he would never tire of.
He also told how he was receiving a brilliant reception from audiences in Wolverhampton.
“I don’t get nervous any more,” he said. “I’ve been in showbusiness for 22 years, so eventually you just learn to relax. I’ve been to Wolverhampton quite a few times now and I love the place - the people that come to the shows are great and I really enjoy performing in front of them.”
He added: “Being on stage at the Grand Theatre is nothing like being on a TV show like Brookside where you are under a lot of pressure to do things quickly and can’t hide.”
TV presenter Sarah Greene became the first celebrity to be booted off Dancing on Ice on the opening night on Sunday.
Greene found herself in the bottom two alongside singer Samantha Mumba after receiving the least public votes and the five judges chose to save Mumba.
The 12 celebrity skaters including Greg Rusedski, Gareth Gates, Tim Vincent and Suzanne Shaw prepared for the first spectacular live ITV1 show, presented by Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, with months of gruelling training - at up to 20 hours a week. Dick Whittington is on at the Grand Theatre twice daily except for Mondays until January 27.
The show also features former EastEnders star Leslie Grantham and The Krankies.
For tickets call the box office on 01902 429212.
By Tom Edwards
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