From ‘I’m a Celeb’ to Frankie Valli –Andre’s next act

But, it was his appearance in the television show, ‘I’m a Celebrity…. Get Me Out of Here’ that really turned singer/songwriter, Peter Andre into a household name.

It’s been over two decades since his adventures in the Australian jungle and in that time, Andre has married, divorced, remarried and is father to five children.

Careerwise, he continues to find success within the music industry but has also carved a niche as a popular TV personality. Now, the multi-talented Andre, is starring in the musical tribute show, The Very Best of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, which, Ulster fans will be delighted to know, includes a performance in Belfast’s Ulster Hall and Londonderry’s Millenium Forum next month.

Ahead of the performance, the star took time to chat, sharing his connection with Northern Ireland and revealing his latest album. He also shares how a passion for cooking can trigger a blip in domestic paradise.

“I’m so excited to be returning to Northern Ireland,” he enthuses. “I first came in 2010 and loved it. The people are amazingly friendly and welcoming.

"I think, we have such a good connection, because we have similar cultures. I mean, I grew up in Australia but, my heritage is Greek Cypriot which has a lot of in common with Northern Ireland, especially the importance of family.”

Like Northern Ireland, Cyprus has a troubled history and, even today, a United Nations buffer zone separates the Greek Cypriots in the south from Turkish Cypriots in the north.

Interestingly, this 180km demilitarised area, known locally as The Greenline is often compared to Belfast’s ‘peace walls.’ Cypriots have also taken inspiration from the province’s peace initiatives, modelling their ‘Cyprus Friendship Program’ on the 1987 Northern Ireland Children’s Friendship Project which provided temporary respite holidays for children from both communities.

“I’m very fortunate to have all these diverse cultures,” Peter muses. ‘I love that I’m Greek Cypriot, was born in England, moved to the Gold Coast in Australia and then returned to the UK.

"You know I absolutely love Australia. It’s an amazing place and I’d like to live there. But I have no plans to do so. I’m very happy in England. I mean, my family is here, my wife Emily’s family is here. Then there’s the kids, who have school and friendships etc so moving to Australia is not on the cards.”

The star has spoken candidly about the bullying and racism that blighted his youth. But winning a talent contest that led to a recording contract and, eventually a successful career, are among the highlights of his time in ‘surfers paradise.’

“I developed a passion for music on Australia’s beaches where speakers were continually blasting out music”, he says.

"I remember hearing tracks from Michael Jackson’s album ‘Off the Wall’ and being blown away by it. Many Motown numbers were played and, ironically, back then, I was singing along to the songs that feature in the Frankie Valli show today. Although at the time, I thought they were Beach Boy numbers.

"In fact, when they (producers) approached me and asked if I’d take the role in the musical, I initially thanked them for the offer but refused because I didn’t know any Frankie Valli songs. Then, when I saw the set list, with classics, like ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ or ‘Sherry’ I was shocked to discover they weren’t Beach Boy songs after all. I happily took the role.”

With a sound that’s often described as ‘high harmony doo-wop’ Frankie Valli’s signature falsetto is instantly recognisable. Given that Andre’s hits are more ‘pop-reggae,” does he find the high notes a challenge?

“My sound has been a bit ‘poppy,” Andre laughs. “But people don’t always know that falsetto is my strong point. I enjoy hitting the higher notes.

"The show has some amazing singers and performers from the West End so there’s something for everyone. I’m delighted to see so many young people in the audience, it’s great to hear them sign along to songs like ‘Cant Take My Eyes off You’ and really enjoying the music.”

As well as starring in a musical, the singer has also found time to create a new album, Legacy, due for release in April.

He reveals: “The album celebrates three decades of music and includes classics like ‘Mysterious Girl’, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and ‘Flava’. The legendary Brian McKnight, who co-wrote ‘The Rest of My Life’ with me, also features on it. I love it and I know fans will too.”

Now 53, Andre has seen a lot of changes in the music industry. “Back in the day, bands and artist had a distinctive sound”, he states. “For example, the Bee Gees had their sound, Prince had his, even, Guns and Rose had one.

"Now, its harder for young artists because only a certain number of ‘sounds’ can be created or the industry becomes saturated and success more difficult.

"Artists might get to the top of ITunes but then fail to make it officially into the charts. But there is a positive side to things. Today, we have a lot more live performances which is excellent. At one time, artists were selling out venues such as theatres or arenas. Now it’s stadiums.”

With five children and a hectic tour schedule, how does the singer relax?

“When I’m home, I can pretty much switch off but, I think most parents, especially if there’s a baby in the family, will understand if I say, sometimes, going to work can feel like relaxation,” he adds.

" I love being home with my wife and kids. My son Theo, 9, enjoys art so we like to sit down together and do some drawing. But, I must confess, I do love to cook.

"People might assume that, with my heritage, my favourite dishes would be Greek but, no, I love Italian and French food. When I say French food, I really mean, sauces.

"You know, back in Australia, my dad and I had a little boutique beach resort where we employed a French chef. The guy was an amazing cook, but he’d never let me see his recipes. Still, he allowed me to help prepare dishes so when he said ‘chop this, add that,’ I’d do it and then run around to the back and write them down!”

Some might argue that Andre’s wife is a lucky woman, having her own personal chef.

“We never row. I mean, apart from the odd ‘theromostat war,’ she likes it cold, I like it hot, but in general we’re very laid back”, he says. “But Emily is a phenomenal cook and occasionally, we’ll bicker over who’s making dinner. I always want to do it.

"Having said that, the other night Emily did this amazing lamb shank with a sauce full of apricots and raisins. Mmm, it was incredible!”

Tours can be demanding, with little time to see the sights. Will he get an opportunity to look round Belfast after the show? “I’d love to see more of the place but timing can be tight. Very often after a show, its back on the bus and on to the next city. But, in the past, I have managed to sample one or two cafes in Belfast, mmm I think we might be arriving the night before the event so maybe, I’ll go somewhere nice...”

l The Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, starring Peter Andre, is showing at the Millennium Forum, Londonderry, on April 5 and the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on April 6.