RING MY BELL!

HIS SONG IS ON THE SOUNDTRACK, SO WE ASKED STEPHEN GATELY TO INTERVIEW THE STAR OF THE HOT NEW FLICK BILLY ELLIOT!

Jamie my friend! You're about to become a huge star as Billy Elliot, how does it feel?

It's great y'know, it really is. After auditioning five times for the role, then going through a two month dance rehearsal period, then straight into filming, then off to Cannes for the festival, it's only now that I've really realised what I've been up to. It's been like a right little adventure actually!

Was it a tough movie to do?

Yeah, but not in an action movie kind of way. We had ballet lessons every day, then we had to build up and make sure our muscles were in tip top condition. I mean, I've been dancing since I was six, so I've had eight years training to prepare me for it all.

Did you set out to be a ballet dancer?

Not really, as I was doing stuff like pantomimes and had my heart set on going into theatre. But I never actually considered going into the movie world at all, to tell the truth!

Really? But you're a natural big screen boy!

When I had the audition I wasn't all that interested in it at all. Once the script arrived, though, I sat down and read it, thought it was absolutely top-notch and after a couple of months got told I had the part.

Did you hit the roof with excitement?

No. I was watching football at the time so my mind was elsewhere! Well, it was my beloved Arsenal playing, y'see!

Have you met some really cool people through the film?

Loads in Cannes. Including Elton John, who loved the movie! I have met you though Stephen, and you're cool!