FAYE Tozer revealed she only gets to spend one day a week at home with her family while she performs in West End hit Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

The Steps singer, 43, took over the role of Miss Hedge from Hayley Tamaddon at the beginning of May and is relishing her time on stage, but admits it's tough being away from her son Benjamin, 10, and husband Michael.

She told The Sun Online: "I think this past six months has been the most tricky because I haven't stopped.

"I've had such wonderful support from my family and husband. It has been tough being away from home.

"I have to say the last few weeks I've really started feeling it. I go home once a week and that's not enough.

"We're up near Newcastle in the North East. I fly home on a Sunday and then I get the train back down on a Monday."

Faye has stepped out of her comfort son to play the bigoted teacher and admits it's worlds apart from what she's known for.

Based on BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen At 16, the musical follows the story of a teenager from a tough northern background determined to make it as a drag act.

"I'm usually pigeon holed as the pretty blonde one who is nice," Faye explained. "It's been a really exciting change of character for me.

"I got drawn to the role because our demographic LGBTQ society… we're very gay friendly, and I thought I'm allowed to say this and I can be the baddy because people know I don't really mean it."

Discussing the character, she continued: "She's not cruel, but she kind of goes on the side of the bigots, the people who will call you out, the people who don't understand, the people who aren't open. It's interesting to play that side of it.

"If I get a gasp or a boo I know I've done my job, and I'm happy about that.

"We should be shocked when people say things that aren't inclusive and open. We're a different generation now, and that's why it's a great show because it opens up that conversation."

The Strictly finalist admitted she had a hard time at school as she worked to pursue her dream of becoming a performer.

"I think being a kid at school is tough anyway. I had a tough time at school. I used to do all the shows, sing and dance, and I wouldn't have time to go to the other kids' parties. I think that's part of growing up and moulds you into who you are.

"I'm not saying that's the right thing, we all have different backgrounds and experiences at home."

Once her run comes to an end in August, Faye will return to Steps with a new record in the pipeline.

"We've got exciting things coming up with Steps.

"It's going to be in the same genre as our last album because we're very proud of that one. We're getting that locked down. It's really exciting.

"It's all going to be about Steps next year."

Source: Read Full Article