14/4/2008Is Shellsuit Bob back in Panto? Oh Yes He is
RIVER City star Stephen Purdon is heading back to pantoland.
Due to TV filming commitments on the BBC soap it looked as if Stephen's panto stint in Peter Pan two years ago would be his last.
But the actor, who plays Shellsuit Bob in the series, is being released from the show, it was revealed today.
"It has worked out brilliantly, " said the 24year-old, from Carntyne, Glasgow. "I was gutted last year when I could not go back to the Pavilion, but this year the filming's been sorted and it looks like I will be jumping about in tights for 10 weeks."
This year's Pavilion panto is The Wizard Of Oz, starring Dean Park.
"I'm really excited about it, " says Stephen.
"I've been told my part is the Scarecrow, so I'll have fun with that.
"One minute I'll be wearing a shellsuit and the next a scarecrow."
Stephen still had a smile on his face over comments made by MSP Christopher Harvie, who slated shellsuit wearers.
The Nationalist MSP described shellsuits and trainers as "what must be the ugliest clothes worn by any one on the continent".
Stephen said: "I don't wear shellsuits outside of work. Those days are well gone. But there is nothing wrong with the people who wear them.
"Look beyond the shellsuit and you will probably find a decent person wearing it."
Stephen has just returned to filming after a break but hasn't had time for a holiday. He and fiancee Nicola have just bought a house.
"And that's been about the most stressful thing I've ever done, " he said.
"I've spent weeks jumping about Ikea and Next and am really glad to get back to work."
Stephen admitted he does not have the final say when it comes to home furnishings.
"Like most guys, I get to pick the telly, " he says. "And that's it."
No wedding date has been set. "The stress of the house buying is enough, " said Stephen.
"One thing at a time."
Mar 3