Until Saturday 3rd January 2026, Suzanne Shaw is playing Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington at De Montfort Hall alongside Richie Anderson as Alderman Fitzwarren, Rebecca Keatley as Alice Fitzwarren and Djalenga Scott as Queen Rat. In 2008, Suzanne won Dancing on Ice and returned for the All-Stars series in 2014, and she previously won Popstars alongside Danny Foster, Myleene Klass, Noel Sullivan and Kym Marsh with their group Hear’Say, going on to release top charting music. As a screen and theatre actor, Suzanne played the regular role of Eve Jenson in Emmerdale, and her stage career includes playing Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre, Janet on the National Tour of The Rocky Horror Show and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Away from music and acting, Suzanne has been running a health and fitness brand since 2020. Suzanne answered our questions about taking on the role of Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, winning Dancing on Ice in 2008 and her acting roles such as Roxie Hart in Chicago and Eve Jenson in Emmerdale.

What are you enjoying most about performing in De Montfort Hall’s pantomime of Dick Whittington as Fairy Bowbells?

The big songs and working with a fantastic cast.

What can audiences expect from your portrayal of Fairy Bowbells and how are you preparing for taking on the character?

Fairy Bowbells is down to earth, loves glitter and we’ve given her a little sprinkle of Glinda (from Wicked).

How has it been reading the Dick Whittington script for the first time and what is this year’s show in Leicester like to be part of?

Loved the script! We added a little along the way but thrilled with the character and the songs in the show.

What was it like meeting this year’s cast, which includes Richie Anderson as Alderman Fitzwarren, Rebecca Keatley as Alice Fitzwarren and Djalenga Scott as Queen Rat, and have you worked with any of them previously?

I loved meeting this year’s cast. All so lovely and talented. It’s a pleasure to share the stage with them.

Do you have a favourite aspect of performing in pantomimes and how is it interacting with the family audience?

My favourite thing about panto is that the whole family can enjoy the experience together.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Dick Whittington at De Montfort Hall in Leicester this Christmas, which is running Saturday 3rd January 2026?

This panto truly has it all. It’s funny, wild, and has a real touch of musical theatre that gives it extra magic. A talented line-up and a beatboxing cat that is a first in pantomime history!

At the start of the year, you appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Mastermind, how was it filming your episode?

Had so much fun filming the show. It was the most nerve-racking experience but so glad I took part!

What was it like being announced as the winner of Dancing on Ice – Series 3 in 2008 and how was it returning for the All-Stars series in 2014?

One of the greatest moments of my career! To learn something completely new and come out of my comfort zone every week – and then win the show – was such a massive achievement.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time in Hear’Say and winning Popstars?

I loved touring the country with Hear’Say and performing in such iconic venues. It was electric. Not to mention being at the top of the charts with our records. It was a crazy and brilliant experience.

As a screen actor, you played regular character Eve Jenson in Emmerdale, how did you find the experience working on a hugely-popular soap opera and what was Eve like to play?

The first time I walked on the Emmerdale set, I remember feeling blown away. Watching the show growing up and then suddenly being a part of this huge show was a huge deal. It was amazing being part of the show.

How was it performing as Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre?

A dream come true! Playing Roxie Hart had been on my bucket list ever since studying Fosse at college. It was a big career highlight and something I will forever cherish.

Your earlier roles on stage include Janet on the National Tour of The Rocky Horror Show and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat in the West End at the New London Theatre (now Gillian Lynne Theatre), can you tell us about some of your stand-out highlights from your theatre career?

All are stand-out highlights. I am so grateful I’ve played some brilliant roles in the West End and on tour. Theatre is my first love and it’s been wonderful to have done so much.

In 2020, you decided to take time out of the entertainment industry to focus on wellbeing, how has it been growing your health and fitness brand ever since?

After a roller coaster ride of a career, I really did need some much needed time out. I was burned out – the pace of the entertainment industry is exciting but equally it can be exhausting and stressful. The time out meant I could 100% fully focus on prioritising my wellbeing and spending much needed time with family. During lockdown, I ended up documenting my lifestyle change (to keep me accountable more than anything), and suddenly I was speaking at big conferences, festivals and becoming the face of incredible brands like Mizuno.

Where does your love of performing come from and how did you get into it?

I have performed all my life. Started dancing at three years old and haven’t stopped performing since. It’s been a huge part of my life. I was working in the entertainment industry professionally from aged nine.

Do you have any favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch and music artists to listen to?

I love all musical movies – Grease, The Greatest Showman and Wicked. I also love our singing divas like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Dina Carroll.

How do you like to spend your free time?

With family and running on the trails somewhere.

What are you hoping 2026 brings for you?

I’m looking forward to what exciting opportunities it brings. Fun, adventure, good health and happiness.

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