BOLTON'S Tony Clegg is living a fairytale existence. The former car sprayer is set to embark on the premiere tour of Walt Disney's West End and Broadway hit musical, Beauty and the Beast.

The multi-award winning production opens its long awaited run at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on Tuesday, November 6, with Tony taking one of the leading roles.

He plays Lefou in the musical, and says he is delighted to take up the "great little part" which marks his first tour in 12 years.

But the 37-year-old is quick to admit that it was only a chance meeting on holiday which pointed him towards an acting career.

He said: "I did not start drama until I was 22 which is quite late compared to most. I met someone on holiday who was at drama college. I was in a job I did not enjoy, so I decided when I got home to give it a go. It was an easy decision to make.

"I had only sang a couple of times previously at school. I never had an interest in drama when I was a kid -- I was more into sport."

Tony embarked on a course in London concentrating on song and dance. He then won a place at RADA and also took part in courses at the acting centre in London.

He said: "My first job was on the UK tour of Cats. After that I won parts in several of the big West End musicals, including Les Miserables, Carousel and Joseph."

Tony then made a decision three years ago to temporarily abandon the musicals and began appearing in straight roles in dramatic plays.

He said: "This is the first time back in a musical for a while, but this role was worth it.

"I still have a lot of family in Farnworth, and would love to return to the area, to appear at the Bolton Octagon. I have written speculative letters to the Octagon several times, but so far no luck."

Tony has made several television appearances and would like to make a return to the small -- or big -- screen.

He said: "I would love to do more television work and wouldn't it be great to make a Hollywood film."