ENTER THE HERO

As the stage version of Disney's Hercules hits the West End, star Luke Brady tells us about landing his dream role

- EMMY GRIFFITHS

Luke Brady is taking the West End by storm with his biggest role yet: as dashing demigod Hercules in the new stage version of Disney's beloved 1997 animation, which starred the voices of Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito and Michael Bolton.

Despite spending the day in rehearsal fighting a menagerie of creatures from Greek mythology, Luke has boundless energy when he joins HELLO! for an exclusive chat. The actor, 35, has previously starred in The Prince of Egypt and Sweeney Todd. But playing the iconic hero at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the role of a lifetime because he used to re-enact scenes from the film with his cousin.

Like Hercules himself, Luke comes from a hardworking family, the son of a tradesman and a GP, who entered their boy into acting classes to combat his quiet nature.

He's been backed by family - and a secret special someone - for years. And he beams as he tells us how his family were preparing to glam up to support him on opening night: "I was like: 'At least give us a week or two to kind of find it for ourselves...'"

Here, Luke spills the beans on the advice he had from A-list talent, how he was destined to play the part - and the fitness routine that transforms him into the son of Zeus...

Luke, how did you react when you landed this role - and how did your family feel?

"The feeling was just pure elation. I don't know if that feeling ever gets old, you work so hard for a small rush of adrenaline going through your body before the fear sets in. [Telling my family] was a beautiful thing and they can be a part of the performance."

Growing up, did you like the movie Hercules?