Pink Paper: It's been a while since we interviewed you for Britannia High. What have you been up to?
Mitch Hewer: I finished Britannia High last December, and then I went to LA for six weeks. I spent a lot of time auditioning and it was awesome. It's been quite an unlucky year, as I've made it down to the final few for various roles and then lost out at the last minute.
It's been hard since Britannia High. I had 2009 all planned out as we were going to do a second series and even a tour – but that was all taken away from us and it was hard to deal with. The whole year has been hard, but it should be a good laugh now that I'm in Never Forget.
PP: As you've mentioned, despite having an impressive cast and team behind it, Britannia High didn't quite catch on. Why do you think that was?
MH: It was just one of those things. When you hype something up so much people are bound to be disappointed. I think it was the wrong day. They were given the option of showing it on a Saturday night straight before the X-Factor, but chose to show it on a Sunday afternoon, which was a very funny time. It was a shame, because the music and choreography were amazing and the cast was great. It was really disappointing
PP: You did a bit of singing in the show, and you're now in a musical. Do you enjoy singing?
MH: Yeah, although I never intended to. I sang a bit in college but my first love was always dancing, and I just fell into the acting.
PP: You're about to appear in the Take That Musical, Never Forget. Are you a big Take That fan?
MH: Take That are one of the biggest British bands out there. I'm a bit too young to remember their early stuff though. They have those songs were you know the chorus and think you know the words, but you don't! But they're a really cool band, and obviously Gary and Mark contributed songs to Britannia High!
PP: The show has been tipped by some as the next Mamma Mia; do you think it could be as big?
MH: I don't really know. I have friends who have been in Mamma Mia, but I've never actually seen it. I've heard it's good though. Never Forget has been going for about three years, so I think that if it was going to be as big, it would have done it by now!
PP: You play a stripper called Dirty Harry, why do you think they chose you for the part?
MH: I really don't know...but he's really fun! Phil Olivier is off doing panto so it was the only role they had!
PP: Would you ever consider taking up that line of work if the acting jobs dried up?
MH: It's not on the cards at the moment, but I would never rule it out!
PP: The show is running right through the festive period. Are you a big fan of Christmas?
MH: Yeah, I love Christmas! That's why I wasn't sure about doing the show. Luckily I get Christmas day off, so I can spend it with my family.
PP: What have you asked for from Father Christmas?
MH: The important things, like a house! No, I haven't really asked for anything. I don't want anything...except a guitar perhaps.
PP: You first found fame as Maxxie in Skins. How did it feel to be part of such a huge show?
MH: First of all, it was never meant to be this huge thing. Some of us had acted before and some hadn't, and it was all so new and very off the cuff. It was amazing to be part of a BAFTA award-winning programme. I didn't get invited to the ceremony, but I was cheering us on at home! I hear the new series is really good too, although I haven't seen it. I don't watch much TV.
PP: How did you find the challenge of playing a gay character?
MH: People ask me this all the time, and to me it's a silly question. How can you research a character? He was just a normal guy who happened to be gay. I didn't want to play him in a patronising way.
PP: What sort of response did you get from people?
MH: I got an amazing response. There was lots of letters from people who said it had helped them come out, or deal with bullying. That's the biggest achievement for me, when people say such nice things. It's surreal.
PP: You seem to have a pretty large gay following. Why do you think that is?
MH: I really don't know! I'm flattered, but I can't explain it! I can't explain why I have any kind of following at all! I'm just a normal guy who's had some cool roles.
PP: You certainly have, but are there any particular roles that you'd like to take on in the future?
MH: I'd love to play someone like that young guy in Hannibal Rising. You end up feeling sorry for him even though he's so disturbed. I'd like to do something like that, something really different where I can really get my teeth in. The type of characters that Johnny Depp plays.
PP: Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone whose career you'd like to emulate?
MH: Growing up, Gene Kelly was a big hero of mine, and I did all the tap dancing! I like Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt too. Really cool actors. Michael Jackson was another hero of mine too, when it comes to dancing.
PP: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
MH: I nearly copied John and Edward then, by saying that I see myself getting older! I guess I can dream, so I'd see myself in LA. I'm going over in January/February and I'm going to try my hardest. You never know though, 10 years is a long time! I could meet someone special.
PP: Are there any particular goals you'd like to achieve in the future?
MH: I'd love to be a leading man in a really cool movie. Something like Hannibal Rising, which I mentioned, or a true story perhaps. I like those.
PP: Your name has been mentioned in connection with a number of reality TV shows in the past. Is that something you'd ever consider?
MH: I heard through a friend that I was appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, which if I am, I know nothing about! I've not watched Big Brother for ages.
PP: How about I'm A Celebrity?
MH: I like that; it's really cool because you're in different surroundings. Also, I love my food so it would be a challenge to go without it!
PP: Are there any others you'd consider? Dancing On Ice perhaps?
MH: Dancing On Ice would be good. Again, it would be a challenge, dancing as well as skating, but it might be fun!
PP: Have you got anything exciting in the pipeline, other than Never Forget?
MH: Unfortunately not! It's been an unlucky year...a bad year. Particularly after Britannia High. I can see why though. If I was head of ITV I wouldn't waste my money on a drama series when I could make a reality show for half the price. The X-Factor is getting such huge ratings, and no drama could compete. It's been a hard year for everyone though, so don't feel sorry for me!
Never Forget is at the Croydon Fairfield Halls from Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 30th December. Tickets are available from the Fairfield Box Office, 020 8699 9291, or online at www.fairfield.co.uk priced £23 & £25, Matinees £15. A minimum booking fee of £2.25 per ticket may apply.