WE know Jonathan Ansell best as the lead singer from X Factor’s pop-opera boy band G4.

But since the group split in 2007, their former frontman has been trying to reinvent himself in musical theatre.

Now, in his most challenging performance yet, Jonathan goes back in time to play three characters in Lark Rise To Candleford.

And while he will be singing, Jonathan will also be showing off his much practised acting skills.

“This show was a bit of a curve ball for me,” said Jonathan, who has just completed a tour of Whistle Down The Wind.

“It’s more straight acting. There is singing, but folk singing. And I’m three different characters as well.

“The X Factor pigeonholes you. People think I’m an opera singer and that’s all I do.

"But actually, I am, like most in the industry, much more rounded and have much more versatility.”

But it was his family who were most excited when Jonathan got his recent part in the stage adaptation of Flora Thompson’s memoirs, and popular BBC costume drama series.

“I was completely unaware of the whole TV series and the book,” admitted Jonathan, who will become a father later this year when his wife, former Quizmania host Debbie King, gives birth to their first child.

“The series was a big hit with my family and they were very excited when I told them about the part. Now I’m really pleased that I’ve found it, it’s a fascinating story.”

And Jonathan says he is particularly enjoying the period costumes — revealing he’s got his eye on one item for his own wardrobe.

“As soon as you’ve got your costume on you feel part of that world. One of my characters is just back from the war and he’s in a fantastic military bright red jacket. It’s a great cut, and it just makes me put my shoulders back, lose my 21st Century slouch, and gain that poise that people carried back then.”

Set at the end of the 19th Century, the play, arrives at Blackpool Grand Theatre next week, starring West End actress Sarah Crowe, The Bill’s Eric Richard, and TV favourite Christopher Beeny.

But Jonathan, who remains good friends with his G4 bandmates, feels the nerves more without them on stage with him.

“I was the most nervous I’ve been in a long time going out in Lark Rise.I felt a little out of my depth. But apart from one of the actresses getting her hair stuck in my jacket during a 20 second costume change, it’s gone very well,” he laughed.

“If I’m honest, it’s great having that adrenalin going. When you do something you’re comfortable with regularly, like singing with the guys, you do lose that fear, because you’re more at ease, so it’s great to feel that buzz again.”

* Lark Rise To Candleford — Blackpool Grand Theatre, September 27 to October 2. Tickets on 01253 290190.