X Factor winner Shayne Ward is set to make a pop comeback to show his two children “what Daddy can do”.
Shayne told how his kids had inspired him to get back on stage – and the former Coronation Street star will also be back on the box soon after landing his first lead acting role in new crime drama, Good Ship Murder.
The Channel 5 series will reunite Shayne with fellow Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley, who played his girlfriend on the ITV soap.
Shayne, 38, said: “This year is going to be a big year for me. I’m releasing new music, headlining my first solo tour in 11 years and starring in my first lead role in a big TV series.
“It just feels like now is the right time to focus on my music career and show people what I have been working on. I see it as more of a return than a comeback.
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“I’m 39 this year and in such a beautiful place – I am engaged to an incredible woman and have two beautiful kids.
“I want them to see me on stage and to see what Daddy can do.”
Shayne became an overnight sensation when he won the second series of X Factor in 2005.
But, after releasing his fourth album a decade later, he walked away from music to join the cast of ITV soap Corrie.
Shayne’s character Aidan Connor was a huge hit with viewers and the role even won him a National TV Award for best newcomer.
But since he walked away from the cobbles in 2018, Shayne has put his fiancee, Sophie Austin, 39, and their children Willow, six, and eight-month-old Reign first.
“My kids have made me realise what my purpose in life is,” he said. “My purpose is to be a father. Everything else is secondary to that.
“When you see the magic in their eyes, they put life into perspective. They have taught me what true love really is and I just want to teach them the best I can. My kids are a huge inspiration for me getting back on stage.”
Shayne recently announced three live dates – at the Manchester O2 Ritz on April 9, SWG3 Galvanizers in Glasgow on April 12 and London’s O2 Academy Islington on April 15.
He also told of his excitement at getting to play a singing ex-cop in the upcoming eight-part drama, Good Ship Murder.
The former soap star has been sworn to secrecy when it comes to saying anything else about the role.
But he admitted: “Anyone who likes Agatha Christie-type crimes or murder mystery stories will love this.
“Half of it was shot on location and the other half was shot on board a real-life cruise ship.”
Shayne also told how it was “brilliant” to be reunited with Catherine, who played Eva Price in Corrie and will be the First Officer in Good Ship Murder.
“We had so much fun,” he said. “I get to sing at the end of each episode too, so it feels like the perfect part for me.”
Tickets for Shayne’s live shows are on sale now. Channel 5 drama Good Ship Murder will be screened in September.
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