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eXtra Factor’s Antony Costa talks to WOS Manchester

August 11, 2008

Antony Costa has had a really varied career. From 2000 until 2004 he was part of one of the UK’s biggest boybands, Blue and he and his bandmates had ten UK top ten singles, including three number ones. Never officially splitting up, fans often speculate that the boys will get back together. But since then Simon Webbe has gone solo, Lee Ryan is about to tread the boards in London, Duncan James works in TV and has starred in Chicago. This leaves Antony who, since featuring in I’m A Celebrity …. Get Me Out Of Here has starred in Blood Brothers and the hit show Boogie Nights.

He now stars alongside Kevin Kennedy (Curly, Coronation St), Kavanagh (Grease Is The Word), Kellie Ryan from the band Eternal and Russ Spencer, band member in Scooch and star of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in a new comedy, entitled The eXtra Factor; a comedy/musical which takes place in the world of reality TV/talent shows. The ultimate winner will be decided each night by the audience!

Apart from the comedy antics in the living quarters, the live-singing action takes place in a TV studio, with the wannabe pop-stars fighting for their 15 minutes of fame; and we see there is no limit to what some people will do to get it. Antony Costa plays one of the contestants battling to be famous. We caught up with him during rehearsals.

Place of Birth
Edgware, Middlesex.

Lives now in
Mill Hill

When did you first realise that you wanted to act?
From the age of five/six. I loved being the centre of attention at all times.

What would you have done professionally if you weren’t acting or singing?
I think I would have still worked in media/script writing.

Is there anyone you would still like to meet and why?
I would love to meet Al Pacino. He is a legend!

What do you like about performing in a show like eXtra Factor, compared with being in a pop band?
I enjoy playing a completely different character. In a band you can lose your identity.

What was the last thing you saw on stage that you really enjoyed and why?
Jersey Boys, amazing show. Have seen it three times!

And the first?
Blood Brothers was the first show I had seen. I loved it and then ended up starring in it!

If you could swap places with one person (living or dead) for a day, who would it be?
Elvis. He is the king of rock and roll!

Favourite books
I don’t read much, but love autobiographies!

Favourite after show haunts in Manchester
I love Panacea, The Hilton Hotel and The Press Club.

What can people expect from The eXtra Factor? What is the plot?
It is a really fun filled show. The great thing is the audience decide who wins.

Why do think reality television shows like X Factor and I’d Do Anything continue to be so popular?
I think reality shows continue to be popular as the public like supporting the underdogs or the winner.

What are your favourite reality shows?
All time favourite has to be I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!… for obvious reasons!!

Who has been your favourite co-star and why?
My favourite co-star of all time has to be Maureen Nolan. She played Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers.

What’s your favourite song from the show and why?
My favourite song is “You Raise Me Up.” I sing this in the show.

What do you think Simon Cowell would think of the show?
I think Simon would like it….. hopefully!!!

Are there any roles you would still like to play and why?
I would love to play Danny Zuko in Grease. I do a mean impression of Danny!

What are your plans when the tour has finished?
I am performing in Aladdin at the New Theatre, Cardiff. Watch this space for more!

Antony Costa was talking to Glenn Meads.

eXtra Factor opens at the Opera House, Manchester from 25-27 September, 2008.

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Comments

One Response to “eXtra Factor’s Antony Costa talks to WOS Manchester”

  1. Tina - Team Costa on September 8th, 2008 1:18 am

    Fan-Costa-Tastic Interview ! *thumbs up*

    Can’t wait to see the show in Manchester on the 27th ;-P

    Do Team Costa Proud Antony ! ;-P

    xxxx

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