ITV weatherman Des Coleman talks Eastenders, forecasts, musicals and much more ahead of big night at Black Country theatre
He's been on our TV screens and the stage for more than 30 years and has led a colourful life full of extraordinary moments.
From leading roles on the West End to being on the nation's TV screens in one of the most popular soaps to his current life as a weatherman, Des Coleman has packed a lot into his life and work.
The 60-year-old can be seen on ITV Central News as the weather presenter, but also tours the country performing in musicals and acting in plays, as well as a memorable turn in a Rat Pack group playing Sammy Davis Junior.
Over the years, Des said he has had plenty of highs and lows, from Oscar parties with Bruce Willis to surviving several bouts of cancer, from time spent in a maximum security prison to hours on life support, and is set to take to the stage of Brierley Hill Civic on April 16 for a special night.
"Des Coleman Sings Swing & The Musicals" will see Des, accompanied by a 10-piece Big Band, perform his favourite songs from his West End career, as well as talk about his life and story in a show he said had been inspired by wanting to do something for his mum.
He said: "It was really down to my mum as she's getting on a bit and she's seen me do a lot of stuff and I've been writing and trying to put together some stuff, but she's never seen me write, create, put something together and then appear on the show.
"At the show, I'll be cracking a few jokes and the band will play up and I'll be telling a few stories and saying how I was hearing songs while I was in the womb, but there will be a picture that I'll put up which pays homage to my mum.
"It's about saying how I wouldn't be here without this woman here, and up on the screen will appear a picture of my mum in the 1960s, holding me when I was a year old, which will be an 'aw' moment and I wanted my mum to see it, so that's the main reason I'm doing this show."
