WHEN popular Coronation Street actor Steven Arnold walks on stage for his first live run through-of pantomime Cinderella, it will be the culmination of 12 days of intense rehearsals.
While it might seem an incredibly short time, Steven is genuinely happy with the quick turn around and can't wait for it to open at the Princess Theatre in Torquay on Friday, December 14.
"It's actually a reasonable amount of time," assured the actor who starred in more than 100 episodes of Coronation Street playing squeaky-voiced butcher Ashley Peacock.
"We've been doing music rehearsals and yes, I do sing. Am I any good? The flat answer is no!
"This will be my third year working with the same pantomime company and I really, really enjoy it. It's a great job to do and it gives you a nice feel doing it because it's over Christmas. It puts a smile on my face and makes me feel Christmassy, especially when you see children come in all excited. You do get a buzz."
The role you might assume Steven is playing is Prince Charming, but instead he has been cast as the Prince's servant Dandini. "It's an absolutely blinding role to play," enthused Steven. "In previous pantos such as Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk, I've played the leads which are more straight roles. This part is a lot more fun and you can put a lot more into it."
Although Steven is forever the professional, and jokingly brags he has "never dropped a sequin" so far in his pantomime career, there are inevitably moments when things don't go quite according to plan.
He recalled: "There was one show I did where a 'cow' came on stage and the front of it fell over so it was just the back end that was left standing. I had to keep a straight face as I pulled the front of the cow back up."
It's a far cry from the days in Weatherfield when Steven could stop the camera rolling and start again.
It was in 1996 when he made his debut in the soap and he remained there for the next 15 years. Out of all the memorable storylines he was given, the one Steven picks as his favourite is one of the first he did.
"Ashley was a comedy character when I first joined and I had never played a comedy role before," revealed Steven. "When Fred told Ashley he was his dad that was probably my favourite storyline as I could show another side to myself, the serious side."
When new producer Phil Collinson joined the show in 2010, it was decided to axe both Ashley and his on-screen wife Claire.
Although it was reported in the press that Steve was not happy with the decision to kill Ashley off in a tram crash, he insists he left on a high and full of gratitude.
"It was not a shock at all," admitted Steven. "Over the last couple of years I had gone from doing 100 episodes to 50 so I knew time was up for the character. When the news came I was ready for it and I was happy with the decision to be honest.
"I didn't want to leave in the back of a taxi, I wanted to go out with a big bang and I will always be thankful I got to go out in the biggest way possible – a live episode. It was a great way to go."
Since then Steven has had little time to dwell on the past, with television roles in Casualty, a stint on Dancing on Ice and voice overs.
"I've not had much time to think about it, but if I did I suppose I miss the day-to-day banter in the Green Room," said Steven.
"I had a lot of really good friends there, and friends I will have for life. We shared some great times there. Now I'm just looking forward to planning the future and moving on from The Street."
Being known for playing such a prominent character has had both its advantages and disadvantages.
"It can stop you from doing some parts but it also opens doors like pantomimes and shows like Dancing on Ice," said Steve. "When I left the show I needed a bit of time out and for people to forget, not that I don't think they ever will. It gave me a chance to learn something completely different, and I've been very fortunate, touch wood.
"I'm booked to do Cinderella until January 6 and then whatever comes afterwards comes. I've had a good year this year and long may it continue. Never knowing what's coming next is one of the exciting things about being an actor. One day you're out of work and the next you've got a fabulous job."
But Steven definitely has no plans to return to a career as an amateur boxer, which he gave up to become an actor.
"I had to pack it in when I had problems with my hands… because the ref kept standing on them," joked Steven. "I was never going to be the next Ricky Hatton."
Cinderella is running at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, from December 14 to January 6, Tickets cost £11.50 to £23.50. Call 0844 871 7627 or visit www.princesstheatre.org.uk
