The 5-minute Interview: Lee Mead, Actor and musician

'I'm just a normal guy – and I don't usually wear a loincloth'

Lee Mead, 26,was the winner of the BBC reality talent show 'Any Dream Will Do'. His victory landed him the lead role in the West End revival of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat', which has proved so popular his run has been extended. Late last year he released a gold-selling debut album and next month will release the second single, 'You and Me'.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be ...

Probably going for lunch with a friend, most likely around Covent Garden. I love wholesome food like a steak or a good roast.

A phrase I use far too often ...

"Um." I find myself saying it between words.

I wish people would take more notice of ...

Rudeness. In today's society, I think it's easy to get caught up in your own world and forget to be polite and considerate.

The most surprising thing that happened to me ...

It would have to be winning Any Dream Will Do. The whole thing happened very quickly, and my life has changed so rapidly since.

A common misperception of me is ...

People may think I am a lot like the character I play. But I'm just a normal guy, and I don't wear loincloths.

I am not a politician but ...

I'd like to work to try to make the country as good a place as possible.

I'm good at ...

Cooking, but I'm not amazing. I like a nice, standard, spaghetti bolognese. What's important is plenty of meat and a good mix of vegetables. Parmesan is also vital.

I'm very bad at ...

Answering questions on the spot.

The ideal night out is ...

With close friends. We would go for a few drinks and catch up. Either that or a night at the theatre.

In moments of weakness ...

I tell myself to overcome it and try to be strong.

You know me as a musical theatre actor but in an another life I'd have been ...

I'm not sure as I've always wanted to do what I do now. Obviously, a good career and money are important but the most important thing is to be happy, and I find myself happy around other people. So perhaps I would be a restaurant or bar owner. Maybe even a psychiatrist.

The best age to be ...

When you know who you are as a person. As I am enjoying myself now, I'd have to say mid to late twenties.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this ...

Take each day as it comes, and be sure to be truthful and honest to your self. Try to have fun in what you do.

Ben Wilkinson