HE’S a Dancing on Ice champion, a former EastEnder’s star and now he is searching for an on-stage wife.

Sam Attwater plays the eldest brother Adam in the new UK tour of musical classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

And local panto guru, George Critchley, who produces pantomimes and plays at theatres all over the country through his Barrowford-based PMA Productions, has co-produced this staging with Peter Frosdick and Paul Nicholas.

Set in the 1850s, the musical has received a make-over from award-winning choreographer Patti Colombo, winning rave reviews in the US.

And it’s proving popular on this side of the Atlantic too, with the tour coming to Manchester later this month.

“It’s going really well so far and I am looking forward to Manchester,” said Sam. “The last time I was there I was in the Rocky Horror Show, so it’s a bit different this time,” said Sam who won Dancing on Ice in 2011.

“We are getting great reviews and selling tickets well, which is good as there’s nothing worse than playing to an empty house,” he said.

The show tells the story of seven brothers and their ludicrous scheme to kidnap a wife each.

Featuring classic musical numbers, including Bless Your Beautiful Hide, A Woman Ought To Know Her Place and Goin’ Courtin’, the songs remain a constant in the production by choreographer Patti Colombo.

“It’s the US production and it hasn’t been seen in this country before and it’s also got a brand new set. Patti Colombo has won numerous awards in the states and she has completely transformed it. When I heard about the show I really wanted to do it. The standard of the show is unreal and the dancing is another level and I really enjoy playing Adam.”

Sam has also toured extensively as Brad in the Rocky Horror Show, and his appearance on Dancing On Ice was great experience.

“It was an amazing experience although such a hard one. I didn’t realise it would be so challenging on my body, but it was something that I wouldn’t change for the world. Originally I wanted to do Strictly Come Dancing but I’m so glad I didn’t. I learnt a new skill and it was incredible on every level.”

The actor also met his real wife-to-be on the ice skating show, professional skater Vicky Ogden, who he will marry next year.

“I am lucky and like everything that I do, I would like to try more things on TV, I would like to do a period drama or a mini series. There’s lots of things that I would like to tick off, and I still have lots of time. I am on tour until June so I am not making any choices just yet I have got a lot of time.”

• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, October 21 - 26, The Opera House, Manchester, Box Office: 0844 871 3018