HE has travelled the world on private jets with the Spice Girls, starred in the West End and won an army of fans as one of television's most flamboyant characters.

Now Louie Spence is set to high kick his way into the North West in hit musical comedy The Producers.

Based on Mel Brooks’ beloved Academy Award winning movie, it will be at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, from Monday until Saturday, March 21.

Impoverished by a string of flops, New York producer Max Bialystock recruits downtrodden accountant Leo Bloom to help him pull off Broadway's greatest scam.

Together they aim to produce the worst show in history and run away to Rio with millions but they learn that showbusiness can always find a way to kick you in the teeth.

Renowned dancer and choreographer Louie, who plays director's assistant Carmen Ghia, said: "Carmen was a dancer in her previous life.

"She is really flamboyant and camp — I don't know whether I've been typecast or not."

The role is the latest the 45-year-old can add to his dazzling CV, which starts with him landing his West End debut in Bugsy Malone at the age of just 13.

During the 1990s, he toured and worked with groups including Take That, East 17, Boyzone and Eternal and was one of only five professional male dancers selected to accompany the Spice Girls on their debut Spiceworld tour.

He said: "I have been incredibly lucky.

"I got to travel around the world in private jets and stay in five star hotels — the height of glamour and the girls really looked after us.

"We got treated like stars, it was incredible."

On his return to London, he joined the West End cast of Cats as Magical Mr Mistoffelees and then went on to be part of the Pet Shop Boys musical Closer to Heaven.

More recently, he was seen taking part in Channel 4 show The Jump which features celebrities taking part in some of the most challenging and dangerous winter sports.

He said: "It was absolutely terrifying.

"I think we all finished in one piece.

"It's a great sense of achievement."

Appearing in the show meant Louie started rehearsals late for The Producers but has been enjoying playing catch-up and getting to know his co-stars including comedians Jason Manford, who plays timid accountant Leo Bloom, and Phill Jupitus.

Louie said: "It's a really nice cast.

"I'm really having a lot of fun.

"Jason is fantastic.

"He has got a wonderful voice. I had already seen him in Sweeney Todd in the West End.

"He is an accountant in the show, he isn't meant to be a high-kicking, incredible dancer.

"He is doing an absolute fantastic job and he is working so hard.

"He is here first thing in the morning and is the last one to leave.

"It's an incredibly difficult role he is taking on but he is perfectly capable.

"I think people will be pleasantly surprised at how talented he is.

"He really is throwing himself into it."

Louie, who stopped dancing professionally 16 years ago, became a household name in 2010 when he appeared on Sky1's hit series Pineapple Dance Studios.

It gave viewers an insight into the world of Pineapple Dance Studios in London and introduced several employees, including Louie, to the nation.

He said: "Pineapple changed my life, which was really unexpected.

"To continue on and then have a new lease of life when I was 40 was totally unexpected.

"I don't take anything for granted.

"I put the graft in all my life but I've also been lucky.

"It's partly talent but luck and being in the right place at the right time.

"I know how difficult this industry is."

The Producers is on at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, from Monday until Saturday, March 21.