Brian Conley's 'home' and setting sail as Robinson Crusoe at Birmingham Hippodrome
He might not quite have been cut out for the jungle, but entertainer Brian Conley is getting back to doing what he does best – entertaining!
The pantomime veteran is taking on the lead role in the Hippodrome's panto Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates at the Birmingham city centre venue.
There were fears the 51-year-old, who dramatically quit the ITV show I'm A Celebrity. . . Get Me Out of Here! after falling ill, would not be well enough to star in the show which has already taken more than £1 million at the box office.
But he told The Express & Star he has no regrets about going on the show.
He had been favourite to win the show, but he left the jungle after becoming unwell and refused to reveal any further details on what was wrong with him.
Conley is starring in Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates alongside former Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph.
He performed as Buttons in last year's pantomime Cinderella and as Fagin in Oliver! at the venue earlier this year. This will be his sixth pantomime starring role at the Hippodrome.
Lesley Joseph, meanwhile, plays The Enchantress of the Ocean.
Lesley is most fondly remembered as the 'neighbour from hell' Dorien Green in the ratings-topping BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather, a role which she has recently reprised for a sell-out stage tour of the UK.
Stuart Griffiths, chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome said: "We are thrilled to welcome back Brian Conley.
"He is one of the UK's most popular pantomime performers and has helped to make Birmingham Hippodrome the home of the traditional family pantomime.
"We particularly look forward to welcoming leading lady Lesley Joseph as The Enchantress of the Ocean in what will no doubt be another spectacular and memorable show."
Brian and Lesley will be joined by Solihull-born Kathryn Rooney as Polly, who played the role of Cinderella last year, and Andrew Ryan as Mrs Crusoe.
* Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates runs at the Hippodrome, in Hurst Street, until Sunday January 27, 2013.
Tickets are priced £14-£37.50, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000.
