HEARTTHROB and winner of 2017’s Strictly Come Dancing, Joe McFadden made his debut at the Ayr Gaiety Theatre, more than 20 years ago.

In December 1996 the then 21-year-old actor was was appearing as Peter Pan in the pantomime as well as touring local businesses with the Ayr Advertiser Series.

Our reporter spoke to Joe about his success and his big plans for the future. 

He had just finished a nationally acclaimed television series and was ‘flying from the rafters’ twice a day in the Gaiety Theatre pantomime. 

Joe said: “After the success of The Crow Road my agent said I could get out of my commitment. (At the Gaiety). But I couldn’t do that. 

“The Gaiety and my fans have been very good to me. I couldn’t let them down.”

But after his performance it was straight back to London, to appear on stage six days a week. 

That was Joe’s last appearance on stage in Ayr. He had signed up with top London agent Michael Foster who represented some of the biggest names in showbiz including Hugh Grant and Anthony Hopkins.

Born in bred in Glasgow, Joe took up acting to Holyrood Secondary, Govan - a school that had an excellent reputation in the field of drama and music.

After finding he had talent for the stage, Joe landed a small part in an episode of Taggart at just 14 years old. 

The 42-year-old Scottish actor, is best known for his roles in Take the High Road, Heartbeat and Holby City playing Raf di Lucca. 

Joe was partnered with Katya Jones and went on to win the 15th series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Posting on his official social media page, Joe said: “Merry Christmas to all our Facebook friends.  Thank you all so much for voting for Joe & Katya on #Strictly. Your votes really did pay off.  What a great few months. Thank you. Have a lovely Christmas and we’ll see you in 2018 with loads more news.”

Joe and Katya will tour with the show in 2018.