Blue's Antony Costa looking forward to "immense" Wolverhampton stage return

The north London-born performer is preparing to take to the stage at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre when jukebox musical Rock of Ages comes to the city.

But his visit is set to be a world apart from his 2017 trip to Wolverhampton, when he made a swift exit from touring with the cast of A Judgement In Stone as his new baby arrived.

Costa said: "I love Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, it's an amazing venue. And since I've been told I'm going to be performing Rock of Ages there, I can't wait.

"The staff are lovely and it brings back lovely memories. I first went there two years ago but I had to leave last time because my second daughter was being born.

"It has a special place in my heart. I'm very excited to be coming back to Wolverhampton. It's going to be immense."

The 37-year-old will steal the spotlight as charismatic rockstar Stacee Jaxx - a role he has dreamed of playing since watching the hit musical in London's West End.

He will be joined at the Lichfield Street theatre by Kevin Kennedy, best known for playing Coronation Street's Curly, and Zoe Birkett, who has gone on to have a successful theatre career since her days in singing contest Pop Idol.

The LA-based love story features more than 25 classic rock anthems including 'We Built This City', 'The Final Countdown', 'Here I Go Again', 'Can’t Fight This Feeling' and 'I Want To Know What Love Is'.

Tom Cruise brought Stacee Jaxx to life in the film adaptation, with Costa set to perform alongside a live band when the tour lands in Wolverhampton from May 28 to June 1.

Costa said: "When I come to Wolverhampton, it's going to be my last week in the show. It's going to be a bit of mixed emotions.

"It's a great cast and they've really helped me through it. I'm blessed to be working with these people.

"I love the Midlands, it's always friendly. It's about people being nice and respecting you and appreciating that you have come to the area."

The father-of-two enjoyed chart success with his fellow Blue bandmates after forming in 2000 and releasing debut single 'All Rise' in 2001.

Blue went on to have three number one albums and have since sold 40 million singles and 16 million albums worldwide.

But Costa revealed "nothing is set in stone" for the band's approaching 20th anniversary but a reunion could be in the pipeline.

He added: "We're all busy doing our own things but never say never. I still love the boys, they are like my three brothers.

"I'm thankful every day. I still love being with the boys, it's my bread and butter.

"But I love being on stage and in a show because I can be someone completely different for two hours and just have a lot of fun with it."

"It's an amazing show. It's a good little love story and it's got a bit of nostalgia.

"Come down and enjoy it and really leave your troubles at home, and relive your inner teen years."