EASTENDER John Partridge is stepping into some formidable shoes when he takes to the stage in Bristol as smooth-talking Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn.

But the Celebrity Big Brother star, famed for his role as the Rum Tum Tugger in legendary musical Cats, first turned down the iconic role in 2010 because he didn’t think he had the maturity for it.

Six years later, however, and trained dancer John says playing the iconic role made famous in the film by Hollywood A-lister Richard Gere has been a ‘joy’.

Speaking to the Gazette, John, who is currently recovering from a chest infection, said: “Even when poorly there is no better tonic than shining those shoes and getting on stage. It is an absolute joy.

“It makes me feel like a million dollars and audiences have been fantastic, there has been standing room only, it is crazy.

“There seems to be a real passion for the show and people have responded.”

John, who stars alongside 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey as Mama Morton and former Coronation Street actress Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart, said this 2016 tour was a real treat.

“It is a very contemporary show told in an old school way,” he said. “There is something for everyone, really contemporary songs and it deals with celebrity culture.

“Nothing is left to chance, it is a very stylised show with everything placed and positioned for maximum effect.

“The choreography has been done absolutely faithfully and although there isn’t a lot of set you don’t need it.”

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, Chicago sees nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoot her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep her from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

With hits Razzle Dazzle and All The Jazz and made infamous by the 2002 film, the musical has been running since 1997 in London and Broadway and has starred some of Hollywood’s best known actors including the late Patrick Swayze and singer Usher.

“It has such a history and a legacy,” said John, whose background is in dance. “We are the caretakers of the show and have a lot of respect for it.

“Billy Flynn is the ultimate showman and I am slightly more physical in my approach than others have been.

“I am bringing my full box of tricks and everything I have garnered along the way and have tried to apply it to this role. I think that is the best way to approach any role.”

Chicago is on at the Bristol Hippodrome from Monday, July 4 to Saturday, July 9.