Danny Bayne talks to Steve Pratt about returning to the role which made him famous as Grease goes back on tour

FIVE years after winning a TV talent show to star in the London West End production, Grease is still the word for Danny Bayne. He spent two years playing high school rebel Danny Zuko in the musical following his victory in ITV’s Grease Is The Word competition, in 2007.

Now he’s back in the show, which is touring for the first time in more than five years, and plays York Grand Opera House next week (Monday to Saturday).

He has nothing but happy memories of the TV contest. “It was a great thrill ride and kickstarted my career, and I’ve been lucky enough to have been working ever since. Now I’m doing something I love to do,” he says.

He was studying at Italia Conte stage school when he entered the contest offering the chance to play the leading role in Grease in the London revival. “So, I managed to get a job before I finished college. If I hadn’t, I’d still be doing the same job, but not the same gig,” says Bayne, 25.

“It was such a happy experience doing the TV show. It’s something that couldn’t be rivalled.

It was great for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It gave me a new life I probably wouldn’t have expected for some time.”

Finally stepping on stage as the winner was an amazing experience, the fulfilment of a dream. “I hadn’t done Grease before, just a few bits and pieces and a couple of professional jobs as a dancer while I was at college,” he says.

“I love this job and I love being on stage. It’s what I live for and when I went on that first night it was daunting to say the least because I was so young, but I loved it.”

He’s also aware that his performance improves with time. What’s brought him back to the show for the tour? “To be honest, it’s such fun. Lots of jobs are very hard work but I’m quite lucky because I’m very young and get to go into good, fun high-energy shows while I’m young. So I figure keep at it.

“I know it’s not Chekhov, but it’s a lot of fun and the music is great and you never get bored of singing the songs and saying the one-liners.”

Grease isn’t the only show on his cv. As well as panto, he has toured as Corny Collins in the feelgood hit musical Hairspray, for 15 months “That has a slightly deeper message, but once again it’s a really fun, upbeat show,” he says.

Cast changes also help keep Grease fresh on tour. He tries to steer clear of the film version of Grease which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, but can’t always prevent himself hearing the music. “When it’s your life you don’t want to hear it every day, but obviously it’s unforgettable music. That’s why people flock to see it.”

He’s signed up to Grease until the New Year, and is currently auditioning for new jobs and shows for 2013. “There are loads I fancy doing, like Wicked and Ghost, but whether I get them is another story. We’ll just see what happens,” he says. Touring has made him homeless as he’s always on the road living out of a suitcase.

He let go of his flat in Surrey when he went on tour and has been touring non-stop for more than two years. “My home is where my parents live,” he says.

His other big passion is dance and choreography.

He was a world competitor before winning the TV talent show. “Dancing is my first love and what I am best at. Everything else, I like to say, I am improving at,” says Bayne.

“With dancing, I trained in every aspect really, and was number three in the world at one point and British freestyle, hip hop and rock- ’n’roll champion. Dancing was my forte, singing and acting came later but I love all aspects of the job and want to be as good as I possibly can at everything.”

The touring production of Grease also features Carina Gillespie as Sandy and X Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts as Teen Angel.

  • Grease: York Grand Opera House, Monday to Saturday. Box office: 0844-8713024 and atgtickets.com/york