He speaks to me when he has just come off stage from a performance and, as befits someone who has played the lead in a blockbuster stage musical, he is in the market for something to eat.

“You’ll have to excuse me,” he says in a soft Edinburgh accent, “I need to get some food.”

Familiar to millions as a contestant on the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do, Craig made it to the final programme of the series but was voted off in third place.

At the time, he wasn’t that despondent about losing out.

“I thought that some opportunities would come my way after being on the show,” he said.

“Though I wouldn’t have dreamed of this – it worked out well.”

Offered the leading role in the touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph, he has thrilled audiences across the UK.

Craig also appeared in Pop Idol in 2003, also making it to the later rounds of that reality talent show.

“It wasn’t necessarily a positive experience for me, so I was wary of doing reality TV shows,” he said, “but I thought Joseph was a part that I could play.

“I just decided to go for it again.”

Appearing in two reality shows is more an indication of Craig’s determination to succeed rather than a need to chase the limelight.

And, with this touring production of Joseph getting both rave reviews and standing ovations, there is a talent beneath his tenacity.

“You have to be determined to make it, and keep believing in yourself,” he said.

This belief is what has fuelled Craig.

“I’m getting paid to play the lead part in the number one touring show in the UK, so it’s definitely a dream come true,” he said.

“It’s not all glamourous – you have to make sure you can do your job and look after yourself so that you’re able to perform for 10 shows a week – but don’t get me wrong, it’s still enjoyable.”

The show has meant a regime of rehearsals and healthy living for Craig to meet the physical and dramatic demands of performing.

“You look like you’re having a blast and it’s a piece of cake but there’s a lot of hard work behind it,” he said.

The result, however, blurs the line between stage musical and rock stardom.

“The mania of the crowds has been unparalleled, the box office is amazing. It’s great that my face can bring in so many punters,” he said.

Later, as if to underline the point, he would break off the conversation to sign autographs.

“I feel like I’m in McFly rather than a musical theatre show,” he said, sounding surprised and confident rather than boastful.

After his attempts to make it in showbusiness, finding success has made Craig Chalmers relaxed and assured as a performer.

If audiences have as much fun watching Joseph as Craig has being part of it, the show’s continued success is assured.

l Joseph opens at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, tonight and runs until August 30. For more information, or to book tickets, contact the box office on 028 9024 1919 or log on to www.goh.co.uk.