His band has sold more than 25 million records worldwide and he’s been a household name for two decades but Shane Lynch can’t wait to come to Kent for panto – and he’ll be disappointed if you don’t boo. Dan Wright reports.

A decade ago, Boyzone singer Shane Lynch stepped into the world of pantomime. With long and flowing locks, the Irishman was cast as the typical prince that audiences adored – but he never felt that the lovable hero role suited him too well.

So 10 years on, and now sporting an impressive set of eye-catching whiskers, Shane is enjoying a serious change in tack when he plays baddie Abanazar in Aladdin at Gravesend’s Woodville Theatre.

With tattooed covered arms, a mean black costume and far closer barnet than 10 years ago, 38-year-old can’t wait to get back on stage after a year out in 2013 while touring with his fellow lads from the Emerald Isle.

“I was always the prince, from Sleeping Beauty to Cinderella, and I thought it was a time for change,” he said.

“When I was offered a baddie role it suited me more – I fit the visual baddie type with tattoos and what-not.”

After his year out last Christmas, Shane is eager to get back into the groove.

He added: “I don’t like to miss too many years of panto because there’s a certain vibe. There’s a flow and camaraderie amongst your fellow actors and it’s nice to keep that in touch. Panto is something I ended up loving because it’s the unexpected.

"It’s good when you hear the boos!" - Shane Lynch

“I never thought in a million years that I’d end up being an actor and certainly not in pantos.”

In contrast to his early panto roles, Shane is sure to draw boos as the Woodville’s baddy this year.

But it’s an aspect of the show that he thrives on since first playing Abanazar at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks in 2012.

“I never really thought about being booed,” he said.

“It’s fun and you can get on with the evil character easier if they’re booing. If they’re not, you don’t think you’re doing a very good job. So it’s good when you hear the boos!”

Shane, who has worked with producers Magic Beans Pantomimes before, will commute from his home throughout Aladdin’s run and is looking forward to another busy period.

He added: “People said theatre is one of the hardest things to do, the hardest form of acting, so I wanted to do it for that reason – for the experience more than anything else.

“I love the show, the cast, and the way the character is written. Gravesend’s panto is in good hands with Magic Beans.”

Boyzone

Shane made his name with Boyzone and was the man who originally took the idea of the pop group to producer and X Factor judge Louis Walsh.

Since forming in 1993, Shane and his bandmates – including Keith Duffy and Ronan Keating – have sold more than 25 million records and have had six UK No.1s, with 21 singles in the top 40 UK charts.

Last year, the band released a new album called BZ20 and had their own 20th anniversary ITV special.

Shane said: “It’s always a pleasure to be with the fellas. It’s the world I know best. I loved getting on stage and performing our 20 years of hits. It’s always enjoyable to be out there selling records and albums – we work hard in the studio to make a product which we’re always very proud of.”

Away from the band, Shane came fifth in the 2013 series of Celebrity Masterchef, and has appeared in numerous other TV shows, including The Games, Love Island, and Cirque De Celebritie.

He recently made his own documentary about Dyslexia for Channel 5, and was the subject of a celebrity special episode of The Jeremy Kyle Show.

A drifter

Away from his panto and singing duties, Shane has another passion – motorsport.

Since winning a BMX bike racing title aged 14, he’s always had a need for speed and currently competes in the British Drift Championship.

From 2002 to 2006, Shane raced in the prestigious British GT Championship and came within a few laps of winning the title in 2003 at the final round of the season at Brands Hatch when he crashed.

Now he is regularly seen drifting – a sport where the driver intentionally oversteers and the causes the tyres to smoke – at the Lydden Hill circuit, near Canterbury.

Shane's Christmas questions

Best thing about Christmas?

“The family get-togethers, the dinners.”

Turkey or an alternative?

“Alternative – we’ve always had lobster since I was about 10 years old.”

Queens’ Speech or Top of the Pops?

“I’d be watching Top of the Pops because I’m probably on it!”

Favourite Christmas tipple?

“I’m a Champagne man.”

Aladdin is at Gravesend’s Woodville Theatre from Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, January 4. Tickets from £14, visit www.woodville.co.uk or call 08442 439480.