Luke Evans teases new music and tour following latest West End stint

Luke Evans has teased that new music could be on the way along with his hopes to tour it.

The Welsh-born star, 44, who originally shot to fame on stage before swapping the West End for Hollywood in movies such as The Hobbit and Disney's Beauty and the Beast remake, released his debut album At Last in 2019 and followed it up with A Song For You in 2022.

While other projects such as latest film Our Son with Billy Porter and his current role in the West End production of Backstairs Billy at the Duke of York's Theatre have taken up the majority of time, he has been quietly working on new tunes in the background.Speaking to the Standard, he said: "I am writing right now and I’ve been recording a few things so I may release something in the new year, I’m not sure yet. That never stops.

"I love singing. I would like to maybe do some touring next year, I’m not entirely sure when but that would be the next step for me to take a show on the road, which would be really fun."

Backstairs Billy marks his big West End return after 15 years with previous credits including Rent, Miss Saigon, Avenue Q and Piaf.He said: "I’m literally on my feet for the whole play and it’s quite a busy role for me and I’m also in tails and a waistcoat and it’s very heavy and very thick and I’m just dropping weight like crazy, but it’s a good way of doing cardio without having to stand on a treadmill at six o’clock in the morning so I’m quite happy about it."

Never work with animals, the showbiz saying goes, however on this occasion Evans is sharing the stage with two dogs called Pumpkin and Tring who play Penelope Wilton's Queen Mother's pet corgis.

"Well they do say that and I have worked with several over the years," he laughs.

"Pumpkin and Tring are from Wales so they are very well behaved, very good and fun and they play a lovely role within the play.

"I’m quite surprised actually how consistent they are, they are dogs after all."

Backstairs Billy directed by Michael Grange runs at the Duke of York's Theatre until January 27. For tickets visit the theatre's website.