20 Questions with … Jonathan Ansell

The show is billed as a “concert celebration showcasing soaring ballads and fondly remembered songs from the most significant musicals of our generation”, including Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Rent and Wicked.

Ansell rose to fame as a member of G4, the ‘popera’ group who were runners-up on the first series of X Factor in 2004. He has since appeared on stage in productions including Whistle Down the Wind and Lark Rise to Candleford, and was recently evicted from the early stages of ITV’s Superstar.

Date of birth?

10 March 1982

Lives now in?
North London

What made you want to become a singer?
I listened to music in the car with family en route to camping holidays in France – music such as Pavarotti, the 3 tenors and lots of musical theatre.

If you hadn’t become an singer, what might you have done professionally?
I never wanted to work in an office and would have loved to become a chef.

First big break?
X Factor.

Career highlight to date?
Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s birthday party in Hyde park.

Favourite co-star?
Hayley Westenra

Favourite showtune?
“Bring Him Home” from Les Mis.

What was the first thing you saw on stage that had a big impact on you?
Blood Brothers on school trip. I loved it and was totally blown away by the entire spectacle.

And the last?
One Man, Two Guvnors which I have to say was a brilliant night. I’ve never laughed so much in a theatre!

What’s the best advice you have ever received?
It’s better to regret what you have done than what you haven’t.

Do you often get recognised?
I do. It depends what I have recently been doing, especially on TV. The regular repeats of Come Dine with Me cause lots of people to spot me.

Would you ever return to G4?
Never say never but I can not imagine it happening. We left the group on a high and extremely proud of all that we achieved.

Favourite book?
I am not a reader but I did love reading Kes a few years back. Such a sweet story that resonated with me in terms of pursuing a passion despite others.

Favourite holiday destination?
The Far East, especially Malaysia.

Why did you want to get involved with Momentous Musicals?
I love the concept and am really excited to perform with some of the best MT performers in the industry!

What’s your favourite number in the show?
I am excited to perform all my songs but there will be a special energy with “Gethsemane” due to my recent involvement in Superstar.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
On stage in Les Mis as Jean Valjean.

Who were your childhood heroes?
I really looked up to and admired Michael Ball who I am now honoured to have met a few times. I even had the chance to share a bottle of wine with him in his dressing room after Hairspray.

What have you got lined up next?
I am finalising a new album with thanks to my fans and Pledge Music which will be completed soon. I have a few exciting concerts around the UK and my second panto this Christmas in Sheffield. I have some exciting concerts planned in 2013 too. I hope to have another MT role as well as this really is where I want to be…