Family life is the driving force for former X Factor star Jonathan Ansell. Since leaving the multi-million record selling group G4, he has had a successful solo career and is now turning his hand to pantomime so he can stay close to wife Debbie King and their one-year-old daughter Siena.

It’s just a short commute from their home in North Finchley to Rickmansworth where Jonathan is playing Prince Charming in The Watersmeet Theatre’s pantomime, Cinderella.

“They’re coming along to see the show,” says Jonathan. “Siena has already been to the cinema with me and it’s gone quite well – she won’t really have a clue as to what’s going on; she’ll just enjoy the lights.”

Jonathan is clearly relishing parenthood and the chance to entertain a younger audience.

“I was in a show that was almost a panto at Easter – a family musical of Beauty and the Beast in Harlow and it was my first foray into this style of theatre. Wearing a mask was a bit restrictive but you could hide behind the character and scare a few children every night. Pantomime is such a fantastic way of entertaining first-comers because they’re so engaged and it’s a safe environment that involves a lot of humour.

“As a child, I was the annoying, cheeky kid who shouts out and heckles. I enjoyed shows such as Jack and Beanstalk and Peter Pan or anything dramatic.”

The English tenor is certainly enjoying a variety of roles on stage. He shared anecdotes with audiences in An Evening With... Jonathan Ansell, Up Close and Personal in Radlett this year and will be returning to Harpenden with the show next year.

He has certainly got the popular vote. Despite being runners-up on X Factor in 2004, pop-opera boy band G4 had a number one debut album and enjoyed three years of sell-out tours.

With hindsight, I ask Jonathan, how does he feel about shows like the X Factor? Does the best act always win?

“Prominent people in the music industry have been scathing about the show but it’s easy for people who have become established in more traditional ways to look down on it. It’s hard to get the opportunity to showcase new talent. There’s definitely some rubbish going on with the focus on back stories and the judges, but it is such an amazing opportunity and is a mainstay in our TV diaries. It’s not just about vocal talent, it’s how you engage with a wider audience. In the end it’s about likeability.”

After leaving G4, Jonathan has gone on to star with Hayley Westenra at the London Palladium for BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night, and at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance.

Other appearances include TV’s Last Choir Standing and tours of the UK with A Night at the Opera, Whistle Down the Wind and Lark Rise to Candleford.

He’s well-known for his voice, of course, but what else is Jonathan bringing to the role of the dashing hero?

“It’s been interesting. Dance is not my strongest point but I’ve been trying a few moves to enhance my character. I have some wonderful solos that have given me quite a few opportunities to showcase my voice.

“There’s such a great rapport between myself and Jonathan Eio, who plays Dandini. We’ve developed an energy between us all the way through the show, which has definitely enhanced our scenes and made them fun.”

The Watersmeet also has a real-life love story to share. Panto star Jonathan Eio and director Louise Travis met at the venue when they both appeared in Aladdin in 2008.

After two more pantomimes, Jonathan proposed during the run of Jack and the Beanstalk in Bridlington and the couple married this summer. Cinderella marks their first show as husband and wife.

The Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth, December 7–31. Details: 01923 711063